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The powerful storm struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on the weekend, shortly after sweeping across the provincial island of Hainan. The severe weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 residents, delivering torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Hainan's Wenchang. Ferry services were halted and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.

Storm Details

The typhoon, the 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also received significant rain amounts.

The storm prompted China's top-tier red alert, with disturbances in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transport links and highways were shut. In Hong Kong, numerous air services were affected and dozens called off.

Forecast and Movement

As Matmo moves inland towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is projected to weaken into a tropical depression with 55mph winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could experience 130-150mm on the following day, raising the threat of inundation and mudslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is likely.

Global Weather Events

At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla developed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on Saturday night, first as a storm system. It prompted a weather alert for the southwestern areas from Punta San Telmo to another location on the start of the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 65mph. It strengthened into a hurricane in the night, when sustained winds reached at 121km/h.

Though not expected to make landfall, the storm is expected to generate hazardous swells and strong currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is forecast on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could receive moderate to heavy rain.

Elsewhere, a cyclone named Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon storm system of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, prompting an alert from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On that day, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is predicted to recurve towards the east into the the sea. Rough seas are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and intense rain is expected in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.