Analysis of Typhoon Chan-hom's Track Characteristics
Track movement and turning characteristics
The lifecycle of Typhoon Chan-hom (202615) began at 14:00 on August 5, 2026, over the open waters of the northwest Pacific at 19.5°N, 165.8°E. From its formation through August 8, the system generally moved steadily toward the northwest. Analysis of its coordinates shows that its latitude rose rapidly from 19.5°N to 33.1°N while its longitude moved west from 165.8°E to 155.0°E, indicating that it was strongly influenced by the guiding flow along the southern side of the subtropical high and followed a relatively straight track.
Notably, the typhoon's track showed a distinct turning pattern from August 9 to August 10. At 02:00 on August 9, its center was located at 32.7°N. Its latitude then dipped slightly to 32.4°N as its longitude continued moving west, indicating that the system slowed and made a small counterclockwise adjustment near 32°N, likely due to pre-trough flow in the westerlies or changes in the subtropical high's configuration. From 14:00 on August 10, its latitude rose rapidly again to 36.5°N while its longitude moved eastward at an accelerating pace to 142.1°E, marking the storm's completion of its turn and entry into a typical phase of accelerating northeastward movement. It ultimately made landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture, Honshu, Japan, at 19:00 on August 11 and weakened into a tropical depression late that night.
Intensity evolution and historical comparison
In terms of intensity, Typhoon Chan-hom (202615) exhibited notable persistence at weak intensity. Throughout the observation period, its central pressure remained near 998 hPa and its maximum wind speed stayed around 18 m/s. It briefly strengthened to 20 m/s shortly before landfall, at 02:00 on August 11, when its pressure fell to 995 hPa, making its peak intensity tropical-storm strength. This intensity profile suggests that the system was unable to obtain sufficient energy to develop into a stronger tropical cyclone in an environment with low sea-surface temperatures or strong vertical wind shear.
Compared with previous typhoons of the same name, Chan-hom in 2026 was significantly weaker. Historical data show that Chan-hom reached super typhoon intensity in 2015, with a minimum pressure of 935 hPa. In 2003 and 2020, Chan-hom reached typhoon intensity, with minimum pressures of 965 hPa and 965 hPa, respectively. Even the relatively weak Chan-hom in 2009 had a minimum pressure of 970 hPa. By contrast, Chan-hom in 2026 recorded its lowest historical minimum pressure and maximum wind speed among storms of the same name, at 990 hPa and 20 m/s. It was a typical weak tropical storm and posed no threat of extreme winds to waters along its path. However, its track passed directly through the eastern coastal waters of Honshu, Japan, and it had a clearly documented landfall impact.
Typhoon Chan-hom Track Data Table
| Time | Position | Intensity | Wind · Pressure | Moving toward |
|---|
| 08-05 14:00 | 19.5°N
165.8°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | N |
| 08-05 23:00 | 23.2°N
165.5°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NNW |
| 08-06 08:00 | 24.6°N
165.1°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-06 17:00 | 26.8°N
162.9°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-07 02:00 | 28.4°N
162°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-07 11:00 | 29.5°N
160.3°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-07 20:00 | 31°N
159.6°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-08 05:00 | 32.1°N
157.6°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | WNW |
| 08-08 14:00 | 33.1°N
155°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | WNW |
| 08-08 23:00 | 32.9°N
152.3°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | W |
| 08-09 08:00 | 32.5°N
151.1°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NNW |
| 08-09 17:00 | 32.2°N
150.8°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NNW |
| 08-10 02:00 | 33.1°N
150.4°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-10 11:00 | 34.2°N
149.5°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | NW |
| 08-10 20:00 | 35.3°N
147.4°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | WNW |
| 08-11 05:00 | 36.8°N
145.1°E | Tropical Storm | 20 m/s
995 hPa | W |
| 08-11 14:00 | 36.5°N
142.1°E | Tropical Storm | 18 m/s
998 hPa | W |
| 08-11 23:00 | 35.7°N
139°E | Tropical Depression | 15 m/s
995 hPa | W |
Sampled rows shown; all 52 track points are available on the interactive map or via the public API.
FAQ
What numbered typhoon was Chan-hom in 2026?
Typhoon Chan-hom has the international code 202615. It is the 15th typhoon of 2026, with the English name Chan-hom.
What was the maximum intensity reached by Typhoon Chan-hom?
Typhoon Chan-hom peak intensity is Tropical Storm, max wind 20 m/s, minimum central pressure 990 hPa.
Where did Typhoon Chan-hom make landfall?
Made landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture on Honshu, Japan, at 2026-08-11 19:00:00.
Where can I view typhoon Chan-hom's live track map?
TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com) provides the historical track map for Typhoon Chan-hom, comparisons of forecasts from multiple meteorological agencies, wind circle ranges, and intensity trends. Page URL: https://taifengshuo.com/typhoon/202615.
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