Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major3
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Typhoon Mekkhala Churns Toward Japan, Threatens Northern Philippines
Typhoon Mekkhala, with sustained winds of up to 175 kph, is moving northwest over the Pacific. It is expected to pass near the northern Philippines on Wednesday, then near Taiwan, and may approach southern Japan by Thursday and western and eastern Japan by Saturday.
Quick Facts
Who
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
What
Typhoon Mekkhala approaching Japan
When
Tuesday
Where
Cagayan province, Philippines
- Typhoon Mekkhala approaching Japan
- Wind warning hoisted over northeastern Philippine coastal areas
- Boats prohibited from heading out to sea
- Disaster personnel placed on alert in vulnerable villages
- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
Very powerful Typhoon Mekkhala, with sustained winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour), has shifted its path toward Japan after threatening the northern Philippines with flooding, landslides, and rough seas. The storm, packing a central atmospheric pressure of 925 hectopascals, was moving northwest at 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour) over waters east of the Philippines on Tuesday.
In the Philippines, authorities hoisted the first of a five-step tropical cyclone wind warning over northeastern coastal areas, prohibiting boats from heading out to sea. Disaster-mitigation personnel were placed on alert in low-lying villages and vulnerable towns in the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes. Officials said Mekkhala was not expected to make landfall there, but its wide rain and wind band could batter the eastern coasts of Cagayan and the island province of Batanes.
Mekkhala is forecast to pass nearest to Batanes on Wednesday, approximately 275 kilometers (170 miles) offshore, before moving past Taiwan's east coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the typhoon may approach the southern island of Okinawa and Amami Oshima island in Kagoshima Prefecture between Thursday and Friday. While likely weakening, it is then expected to approach western and eastern Japan on Saturday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the storm may cause violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain. As Tuesday afternoon, Mekkhala was located about 375 kilometers (230 miles) northeast of Aparri town in Cagayan province. The Philippines is struck by about 20 typhoons and storms each year.
Why This Matters
For residents and travelers in Japan, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines, this typhoon poses immediate risks of violent winds, heavy rain, floods, landslides, and rough seas. Airlines, shipping companies, and logistics firms should prepare for route disruptions and port closures. Businesses with supply chains dependent on these regions'shipments should expedite or delay cargo accordingly. Emergency services and disaster-response teams in Japan need to stand ready for potential evacuations and infrastructure damage.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireTyphoon Mekkhala tracked 375 km northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, moving northwest at 10 km/h.
Jun 23, 2026
WirePhilippine authorities hoisted tropical cyclone wind warning over northeastern coastal areas.
Jun 24, 2026
WireTyphoon Mekkhala expected to pass closest to Batanes coast
Jun 24, 2026
WireTyphoon expected to pass nearest to Batanes, about 275 km offshore.
Jun 27, 2026
WireTyphoon Mekkhala forecast to reach Japan's Kyushu island
Jun 27, 2026
WireTyphoon may approach western and eastern Japan.