According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) at 12:45 (JST) on June 24, 2026, Typhoon No. 7 (MEKKHALA) is located near 21.1°N, 124.5°E as of 12:00 on June 24, moving slowly to the north-northwest. It maintains a strong intensity with a central pressure of 965 hPa, a maximum sustained wind speed of 75 kt near the center, and a maximum wind gust of 105 kt.
Future Trajectory Forecast
MEKKHALA is expected to gradually weaken while moving northward, and is forecast to pass near the Nansei Islands with storm-force winds from June 25 to late night on June 26. After that, it is expected to gradually accelerate and move eastward along the southern coast of Honshu. Direct impacts on the Japanese archipelago are expected to clear by the morning of June 28, but this may be delayed depending on its trajectory and speed.
Impact on Taiwan
Regarding Taiwan, the possibility of direct impact on major cities and outlying islands within the next 120 hours is low, and the impact from the main body of MEKKHALA is expected to be limited. On June 25, localized rain and thunderstorms are expected mainly in the western and northeastern parts due to outer rainbands. However, both Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (RCTP/TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (RCSS/TSA) are expected to experience mainly light rain, and no significant impact on flight operations is anticipated at this time.
Impact on Okinawa
On the other hand, the impact on the Okinawa region is highly likely to be significant. According to the trajectory forecast, the center of MEKKHALA may approach or pass near the main island of Okinawa around 21Z on June 25.
The forecast for Naha Airport (ROAH/OKA) is as follows:
Expected Impacts from 09Z on June 25
- 09Z to 15Z, June 25
- Average wind speed around 25-35 kt, gusts around 35-50 kt.
- Winds will begin to strengthen, potentially affecting flight operations.
- 15Z to 18Z, June 25
- Average wind speed around 35-40 kt, gusts around 45-60 kt.
- Wind and rain will intensify, beginning to affect flight operations.
- Ground operations may also be impacted.
- 18Z, June 25 to 00Z, June 26 (Peak Impact)
- Average wind speed around 45-50 kt, gusts around 60-75 kt.
- Wind and rain will intensify significantly, causing major impacts on flight operations.
- Ground operations will also be affected.
- Beware of an increase in the crosswind component due to westerly winds after 21Z.
- 00Z to 03Z, June 26
- Average wind speed around 30-40 kt, gusts around 40-55 kt.
- Although the peak of strong winds will have passed, operational impacts will remain.
- Beware of an increase in the crosswind component due to westerly winds.
- 03Z to 09Z, June 26
- Average wind speed around 20-30 kt, gusts around 30-45 kt.
- Wind speeds will gradually weaken, but operational impacts will remain due to an increased crosswind component from westerly winds.
- 09Z to 12Z, June 26
- Average wind speed around 15-20 kt, gusts around 25-30 kt.
- Wind speeds will gradually decrease, bringing the possibility of resuming operations.
- Beware of the crosswind component from westerly winds.
- After 12Z, June 26
- Winds are expected to weaken rapidly.
- Average wind speed below 15 kt, gusts below 25 kt.
- However, rainfall and temporary strong winds may remain.
*The trajectory, intensity, and wind speed forecasts of MEKKHALA may change. Please continuously check the latest typhoon information, airport forecasts, and operational updates.
*More timely and detailed information on typhoons and tropical disturbances is available in "SkyAviators", a decision-support tool for airline operators. Please utilize it to check future trends. Learn more about "SkyAviators"
