Tropical Storm Guchol formed in western North Pacific Ocean

Tropical Depression 05W developed into Tropical Storm Guchol as it tracks through the western North Pacific Ocean. According to JTWC, on June 12 at 21:00 UTC, Guchol was located about 175 nm east of Yap (9.7 N  141.7 E). It is moving to the west at speed of 8 knots (14 km/h) with maximum sustained winds near 65 knots (120.4 km/h). A tropical storm warning is in effect for Fais and Ulithi in Yap State, Micronesia. According to PAGASA, the Guchol is over the Caroline Islands approximately 2,200 kilometers east of Mindanao and still far to affect any part of the Philippines. This weather system is expected to intensify further and will enter the eastern boarder of PAR on late Wednesday or morning of Thursday east of Bicol region.

Satellite imagery indicates that dry air along the northern edge of the storm is preventing thunderstorm formation, which accounts for the slow development of the storm, and the smaller size.

Sources: Joint Typhoon Warning Center, PAGASA, NASA