Typhoon 'Kcomai' (CO-MAY, Vietnamese 'Bong U Sao') weakened to a tropical depression (TD) just before dissipating but has revived. This is an unusual occurrence. The resurrected typhoon is expected to make landfall near Shanghai, China, although for now, it is analyzed that this typhoon will not have any effect on the heat wave on the Korean Peninsula.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 28th, Kcomai weakened to a TD at 9 a.m. on the 26th and re-developed into a typhoon at 9 p.m. the following day. Typically, a developed typhoon weakens to a TD and then goes through a stage of dissipating if it loses more power. However, it did not dissipate but revived. The re-developed Kcomai is expected to make landfall near Shanghai, China, around the 29th to 30th.
The Korea Meteorological Administration explained, "After Kcomai weakened to a TD, it entered the waters east of Taiwan, where the sea surface temperature reaches 29-30 degrees, allowing for a smooth supply of energy," adding, "Moreover, a tropical disturbance located south of Kyushu, Japan, further contributed energy, turning it into a typhoon."
It is rare for a tropical depression to strengthen back into a typhoon. According to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration, there have been only two such cases since 2001: Typhoon Hagibis in 2014 and Typhoon 'Halola' in 2015. However, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (RSMC), a total of 32 cases have been recorded since 1951.
The resurrected typhoon is not expected to have any effect on the Korean Peninsula, which is currently boiling under heat waves. Typically, when a typhoon makes landfall in neighboring countries, it can emit vapor and energy (heat), which may lead to heavy rainfall or exacerbate heat waves in Korea.
However, the double high pressure systems located above Korea, including the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High, are firmly in place, making it difficult for the typhoon's moisture and heat to flow in, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. A spokesperson from the Korea Meteorological Administration noted, "It is hard to consider that the heat wave in Korea will be intensified due to the typhoon."
Meanwhile, in addition to Kcomai, Typhoon 'K Rosa' (KROSA, Cambodian 'Hawk') is currently active in the waters near Japan. K Rosa is passing through the sea approximately 1,200 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, Japan, at a strength of 'strong' (category 3). While there is no direct impact on Korea, it is indirectly affecting the area by generating strong winds and high waves in waters south of Jeju.