Tropical Storm Dianmu (Ester) forms in West Pacific

Tropical Storm Dianmu formed yesterday north of the Philippines. The storm, named Ester by the Phillippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration was heading to the north away from the archipelego. Heavy thunderstorms and gale force winds were felt in the northern islands.

Ester intensifies into storm, continues moving away from RP (GMA News.tv)

Tropical cyclone Ester on Sunday afternoon intensified into a tropical storm as it continued to move away from Philippine territory and toward the southern islands of Japan.

In its 5 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ester will still enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Luzon and Visayas.

"'Ester' will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and bring rains over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters over these areas will be rough and dangerous to small seacrafts and fishing boats," it said.

It reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal 1 and areas over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Dianmu is skirting past Okinawa bringing heavy rain and wind to the Japanese island.

Tropical Storm 05W (Dianmu), # 5 (Stars and Stripes)

According to Tech Sgt. Randy McKillop of Kadena's 18th Wing Weather Flight, Okinawa can continue to expect southerly winds of between 23-35 mph overnight Monday. Winds will diminish to 17-29 mph out of the southwest on Tuesday and continue to taper off throughout the day.

As far as rainfall, Dianmu will continue to drench Okinawa with rainbands in its south and southeastern quadrants. Tuesday may bring a morning shower or two, but by afternoon the worst should be over, McKillop said.

Japanese weather Web sites still forecast rain continuing into Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Dianmu is heading directly for the southern regions of South Korea. The storm is expected to gain strength but remain at tropical storm strength as it makes landfall in southern Souther Korea passing near or over the city of Pusan.

Typhoon 'Dianmu' to hit Korea (Korea Times)

Torrential rain, coupled with strong winds, is expected to hit Jeju Island from Tuesday night as a typhoon is fast approaching the country’s southernmost island, the state weather agency said Monday.

The entire country is forecast to come under the influence of typhoon Dianmu with heavy rains expected nationwide from Wednesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). But the typhoon is expected to be downgraded to a tropical storm and is unlikely to cause floods or major damage, it said.

Dianmu, which means “the goddess governing thunder and lighting” in Chinese, is forecast to cross the peninsula by Thursday and move northwards.

Given the overall weather conditions, the typhoon is unlikely to get stronger, but is expected to drastically cool the current heatwave affecting the peninsula, according to the KMA.