Why are typhoons common in the East China Sea during summer?
Typhoons are common in the East China Sea during the summer primarily because of the region's favorable environmental conditions for tropical cyclone development.
During late summer and early autumn, the surface waters of the western Pacific Ocean reach temperatures of at least 81 °F (27 °C). These warm waters are essential for fueling the storms. Additionally, the region is influenced by a monsoon wind system that brings warm, moist air from the western Pacific, creating an environment conducive to the formation of these powerful storms.123
Because the ocean surface reaches its maximum temperature several weeks after the peak of solar radiation, the frequency of typhoons peaks during the late summer to early fall months. These storms often pose significant risks to shipping and can cause severe coastal flooding.21