Tropical depression projected to strengthen into typhoon in southern China

A tropical depression over the South China Sea is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and make two landfalls in southern China later this week, bringing torrential rain and strong winds, the National Meteorological Center said on Wednesday.

The tropical depression formed Tuesday morning over the South China Sea and is forecast to intensify into a typhoon within 24 hours. It would become the first typhoon to make landfall in China this year.

At 2 pm, the storm's center was located about 880 kilometers southeast of Qionghai in Hainan province, packing maximum sustained winds of 54 kilometers per hour.

Forecasters said the system is moving northwest at 20 to 25 km/h and is expected to strengthen before making its first landfall along the coast between eastern Hainan and western Guangdong province during the daytime on Friday.

After crossing Hainan Island, the storm is forecast to enter the Beibu Gulf before making a second landfall along the coast of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Saturday as a tropical storm before gradually weakening.

The storm could bring damaging winds to much of the South China Sea and coastal southern regions. Gusts of up to 133km/h are possible in parts along eastern Hainan's coast.

Heavy rainfall is expected from Friday to Sunday across Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan province, Guizhou province and Hunan province.

Some coastal areas of southern Guangxi are expected to receive more than 400 millimeters of rain. Rainfall totals in parts of southern Guangxi and northern Hainan could approach historical records for early July, while hourly rainfall may reach 80 to 100 millimeters.

Local authorities in southern China are urged to reinforce aquaculture facilities, suspend risky maritime activities and strengthen safety measures for shipping, offshore operations and island tourism.

Residents were also advised to avoid travel to coastal and island destinations while the storm is affecting the region.

Meanwhile, China officially entered its main flood season starting from Wednesday, the Ministry of Water Resources said.

Above-average rainfall is expected in both northern and southern China during July and August, with severe flooding expected in parts of northern river basins.

The ministry also warned that powerful typhoons could move inland later in the summer, complicating flood-control efforts.

Several major river systems, including the Songhua, Liaohe, Yangtze, Yellow, and Huaihe rivers, face elevated risks of flooding, with some sections expected to exceed warning levels.

The ministry also warned that extreme weather could increase the risk of flash floods, landslides and mudslides, while parts of southwestern and northwestern China may face periods of drought caused by persistent heat.