Matmo approaches: storm forecast to strike northern Luzon before heading into South China Sea

Storm gathers strength

Tropical Storm Matmo is spinning westward through the Pacific, its path set on the Philippines before moving into the South China Sea. At midday Thursday, the Hong Kong Observatory placed the storm about 610 kilometers (380 miles) east of Manila, drifting west-northwest at roughly 22 kilometers per hour. Winds near the center are holding steady at 65 kilometers per hour, with forecasters warning the system could intensify quickly.

Meteorologists say Matmo will sweep across northern Luzon before pushing into open waters again, where warmer seas are likely to help it strengthen into a typhoon. The projected track brings it toward southern China, with possible impacts stretching from Guangdong Province to Hainan Island.

Philippines first in line

The Philippine weather bureau expects Matmo to make landfall Friday, striking either southern Isabela or northern Aurora province. Northern Luzon is bracing for pounding rain, strong winds, and the threat of coastal flooding. Officials warn of a moderate risk of storm surge in low-lying communities and have urged residents to avoid sea travel.

The timing is difficult. The country’s central region is still coping with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake earlier this week, and Matmo’s arrival could complicate recovery efforts.

Hong Kong tracking closely

In Hong Kong, authorities are preparing for the storm’s approach. The Observatory has signaled it may hoist the No. 1 typhoon warning on Friday night. By the weekend, Matmo could drive squally showers and gusty winds across the coast of southern China.

Forecasters say the weather in Guangdong will start hot, with highs near 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) on Friday under a ridge of high pressure. But conditions will turn quickly once Matmo edges into the South China Sea.

Regional concerns

If it holds its course, Matmo will be the fourth storm to brush past Hong Kong in just over a month. The region is still on edge after Typhoon Ragasa, which tore through parts of Asia last week as one of the strongest systems in recent memory.

For now, the outlook shows Matmo arriving in waves: heavy rains and strong winds over Luzon, then renewed energy over open water, before turning toward the southern Chinese coast. Residents from Manila, Philippines, to Hong Kong are watching the skies closely.