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Typhoon Matmo struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the evacuation of around 350,000 residents, bringing torrential rain and damaging winds, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were suspended and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.

Storm Details

Matmo, this year's 21st cyclone of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and dumped over 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. The city of the region also experienced high rainfall totals.

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

Future Projections

As Matmo moves inland towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is expected to diminish into a tropical depression with 55mph winds but will continue to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on the following day, raising the threat of flooding and mudslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional intense rain is likely.

Global Weather Events

At the same time, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a weather alert for south-western regions from a coastal point to another location on the start of the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds reached at 75mph.

Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is likely to generate dangerous waves and strong currents as it tracks northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is predicted on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face moderate to heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season cyclonic storm of the year in the Arabian Sea, causing an warning from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles south-east of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is predicted to turn towards the east into the Arabian Sea. Rough seas are expected to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.