The National Weather Service (NWS) is monitoring Tropical Disturbance 97W, currently located northwest of Yap. Although the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the system, NWS Guam does not expect it to develop further.
The JTWC issued the alert Monday afternoon, noting the likelihood of 97W becoming a tropical depression within 24 hours.
"As of 11 a.m. ChST, the TCFA remains in place. 97W remains relatively disorganized with an anticipated short lifespan if further development occurs," the Regional Weather Outlook states.
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett said Monday that 97W "at this time, ... poses no threat" to the Marianas.
"97W will head generally north or northeast in the coming days, posing no direct impacts to populated islands of the NWS Guam Area of Responsibility (AOR). Elsewhere across the NWS Guam AOR, regional weather patterns remain conducive for additional tropical disturbances to take shape," NWS officials said.
Though 97W showed signs of weakening overnight and into Tuesday morning, Aydlett said its development could enhance monsoon activity across the region through the end of the week.
"Seas and surf will build across Guam and the CNMI, particularly along south and west-facing reefs and beaches as the southwest swell builds in," the Regional Weather Outlook states.
NWS Guam will continue to monitor 97W as it remains in the area. A special weather statement has been issued for Yap and Palau.