The western Pacific has seen an unusually high number of typhoons this year, with 21 storms recorded so far [1, 2].
This surge in activity increases the potential for severe weather events across East Asia. While some storms have headed toward southern China, the Korean Peninsula has remained untouched by these systems thus far [1].
Experts said the current frequency is higher than in previous years. The count of 21 storms represents an increase of eight more than the same period last year [3]. This activity has already reached 80% [6] of the annual average of 25.1 typhoons [5].
강남영, a disaster-advisory expert at Kyungpook National University, said the atmospheric patterns have shifted. The main subtropical ridge has moved eastward toward the eastern Pacific, which has left the western Pacific more favorable for typhoon formation [1].
Despite the current lack of impact on Korea, the autumn season remains a variable. Meteorologists said that the risk persists as the season progresses, even though the peninsula has been spared during the peak summer months [1].
Reports from YTN said that the volume of storms this year is higher than recent totals [4]. However, some data regarding the exact multiplier compared to 2023 and 2024 totals remains inconsistent within available reports [4].
“The western Pacific has seen an unusually high number of typhoons this year, with 21 storms recorded so far.”
The shift of the subtropical ridge eastward has created a vacuum in the western Pacific that facilitates rapid storm development. While the Korean Peninsula has benefited from a geographical shield this summer, the high volume of active systems in the region increases the statistical likelihood of a late-season strike during the autumn window.
