A Rare Tropical Cyclone Associated With Southwest Monsoon Over the Northern Part of the South China Sea—Tropical Storm Maliksi

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics and development of Tropical Storm Maliksi, which is a special case of tropical cyclone developed in the northwestern part of the South China Sea during a southwest monsoon outbreak. Detailed analyses were conducted using observational data and forecast products. Surface observations, radar wind profilers, aircraft data, and satellite products were used to evaluate Maliksi's wind structure, revealing multiple circulation centers and gale force winds. Vertical wind profiles, warm core structure, wind waves, and the influence of sea temperatures and salinity on Maliksi's intensification were investigated. Regarding forecasting, AI-based models outperformed conventional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models in predicting Maliksi's initial development, though both struggled to capture the persistence of strong winds as the system moved inland. High-resolution NWP simulations were employed to examine terrain-induced wind variability around Hong Kong International Airport, revealing the mountain wake effect and uneven wind and turbulence distribution. These findings provide insights into the challenges of forecasting and monitoring such tropical cyclones, and highlight the need for enhanced observational platforms and forecasting tools along coastlines vulnerable to these systems.