ON JULY 9, (at 8am local time), Typhoon Maria was located at 21.8 °N 133.6 °E, in the western part of Pacific Ocean, moving northwest-wards at about 30km/h with maximum wind speed of about 195km/h near its centre (photo below).
Typhoon Maria is expected to continue moving northwest-wards towards Taiwan, that is further away from our region.
The typhoon system is not expected to directly influence weather conditions in Brunei Darussalam. Nonetheless, a low pressure system is identified around South China Sea. Therefore Brunei will experience slightly windy conditions with occasional heavy showers, and gusting winds of 40-50km/h. The wave height of Brunei waters may also increase to a moderate state of up to 1.5 metres.
The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) advises the general public, motorists, and mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure safety, especially during the unsettled weather conditions.
The department will continue to monitor the development and track of Typhoon Maria closely, and will issue appropriate weather advisory or warnings if necessary.
For the latest weather updates, visit www.met.gov.bn or follow Facebook (bruneiweather), Instagram (@bruneiweather) and Brunei WX mobile application.
The Duty Meteorological Forecaster at the Weather Forecast Office can be reached through Weather Line 114.