Analysis of Typhoon Vamei’s track characteristics
Track Characteristics and Moving Trends
Typhoon Vamei (200126) had a brief life cycle, lasting only about 42 hours from formation to dissipation. Analysis of its observed coordinates shows a generally stable westward movement, with no significant turns or reversals. During the initial stage, from 20:00 on December 26 to 08:00 on December 27, its center remained near 1.4°N–1.5°N, while its longitude shifted slowly westward from 105.9°E to 105.2°E, indicating relatively slow movement and an almost straight westward track.
During the mature stage, from 14:00 on December 27 to 14:00 on December 28, the system continued moving westward, with its longitude spanning from 104.4°E to 101.3°E and its travel distance increasing significantly. Notably, near the end of its life cycle, its center latitude rose slightly north from 1.5°N to 2.0°N, although the overall track remained dominated by westward movement. It made no landfall and spent most of its life over open waters, eventually weakening and dissipating near 101.3°E.
Intensity evolution and historical comparison
Vamei’s intensity followed a typical rapid intensification–brief peak–rapid weakening pattern. At 08:00 on December 27, it intensified from a tropical depression into a tropical storm, with winds reaching 21 m/s and pressure falling to 1008 hPa. Only 6 hours later, at 14:00, it peaked with maximum winds of 23 m/s and a minimum central pressure of 1006 hPa. The peak was brief, after which intensity began to decline. By 20:00 on December 27, winds had fallen to 18 m/s and pressure had risen to 1008 hPa. At 02:00 on December 28, it weakened back to a tropical depression, with winds subsequently dropping to 14 m/s and pressure rising to 1012 hPa until dissipation.
As a rare near-equatorial typhoon on record, Vamei peaked only at tropical storm strength. Compared with severe typhoons in other years with the same or similar code numbers, it had a looser structure and limited energy buildup. Its minimum central pressure of 1006 hPa and maximum winds of 23 m/s indicate that, despite forming at an extremely low latitude and successfully developing into a tropical storm, it was constrained by environmental conditions and failed to develop a stronger core convective structure, remaining a weak tropical cyclone.
Typhoon Vamei track data table
| Time | Position | Intensity | Wind · Pressure | Moving Toward |
|---|
| 12-26 20:00 | 1.4°N
105.9°E | Tropical Depression | 11 m/s
1010 hPa | - |
| 12-27 02:00 | 1.5°N
105.6°E | Tropical Depression | 16 m/s
1010 hPa | - |
| 12-27 08:00 | 1.5°N
105.2°E | Tropical Storm | 21 m/s
1008 hPa | - |
| 12-27 14:00 | 1.5°N
104.4°E | Tropical Storm | 23 m/s
1006 hPa | - |
| 12-27 20:00 | 1.6°N
103.9°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
1008 hPa | - |
| 12-28 02:00 | 1.7°N
103.2°E | Tropical Depression | 17 m/s
1010 hPa | - |
| 12-28 08:00 | 1.8°N
102.5°E | Tropical Depression | 14 m/s
1010 hPa | - |
| 12-28 14:00 | 2°N
101.3°E | Tropical Depression | 14 m/s
1012 hPa | - |
FAQ
Which numbered typhoon of 2001 was Typhoon Vamei?
Typhoon Vamei’s international code is 200126. It was the 26th typhoon of 2001, with the international name VAMEI.
What was the peak intensity of Typhoon Vamei?
Typhoon Vamei peak intensity is Tropical Storm, max wind 23m/s, minimum central pressure 1006 hPa.
Did Typhoon Vamei make landfall?
According to records, Typhoon Vamei did not make landfall along China’s coast.
Where can I view typhoon Vamei's live track map?
TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com) provides a track history map for Typhoon Vamei, comparisons of forecasts from multiple meteorological agencies, wind-circle coverage, and intensity trends. Page URL: https://taifengshuo.com/typhoon/200126.
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