Typhoon Matmo (Paolo) makes landfall over northern Luzon, Philippines
Typhoon Matmo (named Paolo in the Philippines) made landfall over northern Luzon on the morning of October 3, 2025. Multiple wind and storm surge warnings are in effect for the region as the storm moves through the country.
Satellite image of Typhoon Matmo at 09:10 UTC on October 3, 2025. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
Typhoon Matmo (locally named Paolo) made landfall over Dinapigue, Isabela by 10:00 LT (02:00 UTC) on October 3, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to PAGASA, Matmo intensified into a typhoon with sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) and gusts up to 215 km/h (134 mph), as it made landfall in Dinapigue with an estimated minimum central pressure of 975 hPa.
The system was located about 263 km (163 miles) northeast of Manila, moving west-northwest at 22 km/h as of 11:00 LT (03:00 UTC). JTWC noted convective banding fully wrapping around the circulation as the system crossed the east coast of Luzon.
PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across much of northern and central Luzon. Wind Signal No. 3 was issued for Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino, Aurora, and portions of northern Quezon. Lower signals extended into the Cordillera region and central Luzon.
Meanwhile, Storm Surge Warning No. 8 issued for long exposed coastal areas of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon with stom surges of 1–3 m (3–10 feet) being forecast.
Matmo is forecast to weaken temporarily while crossing Luzon’s rugged terrain, before re-emerging over the South China Sea later on October 3.
Sea surface temperatures of 29–30 °C (84-86 °F), moderate vertical wind shear, and strong upper-level outflow are expected to support re-intensification over the next 24–48 hours.
Forecasts show Paolo continuing west-northwest across the South China Sea toward southern China, likely regaining typhoon intensity before gradually weakening and dissipating over mainland Southeast Asia within 96 hours.
JTWC said there is high confidence in track forecasts through 72 hours and medium confidence in intensity forecasts due to land interaction and structural reorganization.
References:
1 Prognostic reasoning for Typhoon 27W (Matmo) warning Nr 008 – JTWC – October 3, 2025
2 Tropical cyclone bulletin nr. 13 – PAGASA – October 3, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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