1983 Pacific typhoon season
The 1983 Pacific typhoon season was the latest start for a Pacific typhoon season on record, and also slightly below-average in terms of named storms. It ran year-round in 1983, but all tropical cyclones formed between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. A total of 32 tropical depressions formed this year, of which only 23 became tropical storms and were assigned a name by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Additionally, tropical depressions that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility are assigned a name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This can often result in the same storm having two names. This year, a total of 23 storms were named this way.
1983 Pacific typhoon season | |
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Season summary map | |
Seasonal boundaries | |
First system formed | June 8, 1983 (record latest) |
Last system dissipated | December 20, 1983 |
Strongest storm | |
Name | Forrest |
• Maximum winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) (10-minute sustained) |
• Lowest pressure | 885 hPa (mbar) |
Seasonal statistics | |
Total depressions | 32 |
Total storms | 23 |
Typhoons | 10 |
Super typhoons | 4 (unofficial) |
Total fatalities | >1,021 total |
Total damage | > $397 million (1983 USD) |
Related articles | |
The season had a late start, as the first system did not form until early June for the first time since 1973. The last tropical cyclone dissipated in mid-December. Of the 23 tropical storms, one formed in June, three formed in July, five formed in August, two formed in September, six formed in October, five formed in November, and one formed in December. Ten storms reached typhoon intensity according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, of which four reached super typhoon strength. Fifteen of the tropical cyclones made landfall, with six moving through the Philippines, six striking China, six moving into Vietnam, and three moving in Japan. Vera, Wayne, Kim, and Lex led to over half of the fatalities from tropical cyclones this season. Forrest became the fastest-developing tropical cyclone on record for the western Pacific Ocean, with a pressure drop of 92 hectopascals (2.7 inHg) in a 24‑hour period.