Are There Typhoons in January? What Are the Characteristics of January Typhoons?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · The Typhoon Season · 更新 at 2026-07-26
Can Typhoons Really Occur in January?
The answer is yes. Although the probability is relatively low, typhoons can indeed occur in January. Meteorologically, typhoons (tropical cyclones) require warm seawater as an energy source for formation. While summer is typically considered the peak season for typhoons, sea surface temperatures in the Northwest Pacific and the South China Sea can remain above 26°C even in winter, providing the basic conditions for typhoon development.
According to the National Standard for Tropical Cyclone Grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), a tropical cyclone is classified as a typhoon when the maximum sustained wind speed near its center reaches Force 12 or higher. Historically, typhoons forming in January are not rare; examples include "Pabuk" in 2019 and "Ewiniar" in early 2024. However, due to differences in atmospheric circulation compared to summer and frequent cold air activities in winter, the development of tropical systems is often suppressed. Consequently, the number of typhoons forming in January is far lower than in summer and autumn, making it an "atypical" period. Nevertheless, the public should not let their guard down.
What Are the Unique Characteristics of January Typhoons?
Compared to mid-summer typhoons, those occurring in January often exhibit the following distinct features:
- Complex and Variable Tracks: In winter, the subtropical high is positioned further south and is weaker, resulting in unstable steering flows. Combined with frequent trough and ridge activities in the westerly wind belt, typhoons are easily influenced by cold air, leading to looping, stagnation, or sudden changes in direction. This makes forecasting particularly challenging.
- Generally Weaker Intensity: Affected by strong vertical wind shear (significant differences in wind speed and direction at different altitudes) and the intrusion of dry, cold air, January typhoons rarely develop into super typhoons. Most remain at the level of tropical storms or severe tropical storms, with very few reaching super typhoon intensity.
- Pronounced "Asymmetric Wind and Rain" Pattern: These typhoons often have a small but intense rainfall area, or uneven wind distribution. Sometimes, even if the typhoon center is far from land, its outer cloud bands may combine with southward-moving cold air, triggering unexpected heavy rainfall or strong winds in localized areas.
Key Defense Measures and Precautions
Although January typhoons may not be as intense as those in summer, the risks they pose should not be underestimated, especially when they interact with cold air masses.
- Beware of the Wind Chill Effect: Winter temperatures are already low, and strong winds brought by typhoons can exacerbate the feeling of cold, increasing the risk of colds or cardiovascular diseases. Residents should keep warm, secure windows and doors, and remove loose items from balconies.
- Guard Against Localized Heavy Rainfall: Do not ignore the risk of heavy rain just because it is winter. If residual cloud systems from a typhoon encounter a cold front, they may cause persistent rainfall in coastal areas of South China and other regions, potentially leading to urban waterlogging or landslides.
- Monitor Official Warnings: Regulations regarding school suspensions and work stoppages corresponding to typhoon warning signals may vary by region. For instance, some areas may mandate the cessation of outdoor operations upon a yellow warning, while others have higher thresholds. Standards may differ by location; please refer to announcements from local authorities. Always obtain the latest warning information through official channels and do not rely solely on personal experience.
When facing winter typhoons, the key is "do not underestimate, prepare early." Maintaining awareness of weather changes and checking household emergency supplies are the most effective ways to cope with typhoons in any season.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.