A strong typhoon named Noul is progressing through the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in South China, including the Hong Kong region, on July 26. The weather phenomenon demonstrated continuous intensification moments before its arrival, resulting in stormy conditions with violent winds and requiring vigilance in coastal areas.
- Central location: South China Sea
- Size category: Not applicable
- Intensity: Strong
- Travel: Northwest, 20 km/h
- Central pressure: 960 hPa
- Maximum wind speed (near center): 40 m/s
- Maximum wind gust speed: 55 m/s
Region of intense winds approaches Hong Kong
Typhoon 12 Noul, which formed on July 24 at 3 a.m., underwent a rapid development process as it moved through the South China Sea. Even close to its imminent arrival, the phenomenon continued to gain strength, reaching a central pressure of 960 hPa and winds of up to 40 m/s in just two days since its formation.
Although projections indicate that Typhoon Noul will pass approximately 100 km east of Hong Kong, its strongest wind zone is dangerously close to the metropolis. Wind gusts exceeding 20 m/s have been detected in several parts of urban Hong Kong. It is recommended that South China maintain a state of alert for severe weather conditions throughout July 26.
After reaching the continent, the typhoon is expected to lose strength rapidly, and is expected to transform into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
Milestone for the start of typhoon season
The formation of Typhoon Noul represents the fourth event of its type recorded in July, following Typhoon Haishen, which emerged on July 13. This total number of occurrences in July aligns with the historical average for the month, which is approximately 3.7 typhoons.
The year 2026, however, has been characterized by a notably accelerated rate of typhoon emergence, exceeding the average in four formations up to the month of July. This peculiar pattern signals the height of the typhoon season, emphasizing the importance of communities being prepared with effective measures against storm surges and large volumes of rain. Furthermore, 2026 stands out for having recorded the occurrence of typhoons in every month from January to July. This fact is considered rare in climate history, having been observed only three times since 1951: in 1965, 2015 and, now, in 2026, underlining the atypical nature of the current season.
Meaning of the name of Typhoon Noul
The names assigned to typhoons that develop in the Northwest Pacific and the South China Sea are determined by a predefined list of 140 names proposed by member nations of the Typhoon Commission, an international body. These names are used sequentially, according to the order in which the phenomena appear.
The name “Noul” (노을), which designates Typhoon 12, was a suggestion from North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and, in the Korean language, refers to the meaning of “sunset”.
