Are There Typhoons in Winter? Why Do Winter Typhoons Rarely Make Landfall?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-07-19
Strictly speaking, typhoons can occur in winter, but such events are extremely rare. According to the national standard for tropical cyclone classification issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), a typhoon is essentially an intense cyclonic vortex that forms over tropical or subtropical oceans. As long as conditions such as sea surface temperature and atmospheric environment are met, typhoons can theoretically form in any month. However, during winter, solar radiation weakens and ocean surface temperatures drop, making it difficult to provide the substantial heat energy and moisture required for typhoon formation. Consequently, winter typhoons are not only few in number but also typically weak in intensity.
Why Is It Difficult for Winter Typhoons to "Make Landfall"?
The rarity of winter typhoons making landfall in China is mainly due to the combined constraints of atmospheric circulation and geographical location. First, a powerful cold high-pressure system dominates China in winter. When cold air moves southward, it forms a solid "barrier" that blocks tropical cyclones from advancing beyond low-latitude waters. Second, the subtropical high, which is the primary steering flow for typhoon movement, shifts southward and weakens in winter. This causes typhoon tracks to tend toward the southeast, moving away from the continental coastline.
Additionally, strong vertical wind shear in the upper atmosphere during winter disrupts the structure of typhoons, making it difficult for them to maintain intensity or move northward to higher latitudes. Therefore, even if a typhoon forms, most will turn or dissipate over the sea. The probability of one overcoming these obstacles to make landfall in China is extremely low. Historically, there have been very few exceptional cases (such as Typhoon Irma in 1974) that affected the southern coast of China in winter, but these are highly improbable events.
Should We Remain Vigilant in Winter?
Although the probability of a winter typhoon making landfall is extremely low, this does not mean we can let our guard down completely. For residents living in coastal areas of southern China, it remains important to understand the following:
- Monitor Abnormal Weather: Even without a typhoon landfall, the combination of strong cold air masses and residual tropical cloud systems can bring persistent heavy rainfall or strong winds.
- Recognize Warning Signals: If meteorological authorities issue a typhoon warning, it should be treated as a potential risk regardless of the season. Please note that regulations regarding school suspensions and work stoppages triggered by typhoon warnings may vary by location; always follow the guidelines issued by local governments.
- Guard Against Secondary Disasters: If soil saturation is high due to prior rainfall, even moderate winds can trigger geological disasters such as landslides. Pay attention to local geological and meteorological risk alerts.
Scientific Disaster Prevention and Calm Response
The best defense against typhoons is advance awareness and scientific preparation. It is recommended to develop the habit of regularly checking weather information. Do not immediately stop paying attention to meteorological developments after the peak typhoon season of summer and autumn ends. Although winter typhoons are rare, under the context of climate change, the patterns of extreme weather events are undergoing subtle changes. Maintaining appropriate sensitivity is a responsible approach toward yourself and your family.
Keep an emergency kit at home containing flashlights, drinking water, common medications, and other supplies to ensure basic living needs can be met in sudden emergencies. Meanwhile, daily wind-proof measures such as clearing flower pots from balconies and reinforcing windows and doors should not be limited to the typhoon season but should become a normal part of life for coastal residents.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TaifengSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.