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The powerful storm made landfall on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 residents, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were halted and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.

Typhoon Statistics

The typhoon, this year's 21st typhoon of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of Nanning also received significant rain amounts.

The storm prompted China's top-tier emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transport links and roads were closed. 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 projected to weaken into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Vietnam's northern regions could face 130-150mm on Monday, raising the threat of inundation and landslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.

Global Weather Events

At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla developed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, first as a storm system. It prompted a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.

In the early hours of Sunday, Priscilla was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 105km/h. It strengthened into a hurricane in the evening, when wind speeds peaked at 75mph.

Although unlikely to hit the coast, Priscilla is expected to generate hazardous swells and rip currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is predicted on Monday, amounting to 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 200mm. Other regions could face moderate to heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, causing an warning from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles south-east of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.

Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is forecast to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are likely to persist along the coastal stretch and intense rain is expected in coastal districts including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.