Are tropical cyclones weakening in the western North Pacific?

Tropical cyclone (TC) influences are closely associated with changes in intensity. After examining 946 TCs formed from June to October during the period 1975–2023, this study demonstrates a significant decrease in the annual average TC intensity and typhoon frequency in the western North Pacific (WNP). The decrease in the TC intensity is primarily due to the meridional migration of TC prevailing tracks. More TCs tend to move toward areas with lower thermodynamical and dynamical environmental conditions that are unfavorable for TC maintenance and development. The meridional shift of TC prevailing track may be attributed to the change in large-scale circulation in the WNP basin.