As of Thursday, 6 August 2026, Super Typhoon Dolphin is moving across the western Pacific. The powerful storm has sustained winds of 175 kmph and is currently about 540 km east of Minamidaito Island. Although it is moving towards Japan, its effects are being felt thousands of kilometres away in India.

Meteorologists say the typhoon is creating a phenomenon known as "competition". The powerful storm is drawing in the heat and moisture that would normally help rain-bearing systems develop over the Bay of Bengal.

Because Dolphin is so intense, it is disrupting the normal flow of the Indian monsoon. This could lead to a temporary dry spell across parts of central and northern India. For people in these regions, it may mean a short break in the usual monsoon rain. Experts, however, expect the monsoon to recover once the typhoon weakens or moves away.

Typhoon Dolphin: Why storms are given names

Many people wonder why such dangerous storms are given names. In the past, storms were identified only by their latitude and longitude, making them difficult for sailors and radio operators to track and report.

Using names makes communication faster and reduces the risk of confusion during emergencies. It also makes weather updates easier to follow and helps people remember the threat.

The naming process is managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which uses pre-approved lists that are rotated every few years. If a storm causes exceptional destruction, its name is permanently retired as a mark of respect for the victims.

In the Atlantic, storms are usually given human names such as Anne or Katrina. In the western North Pacific, however, names are chosen differently.

The 14 countries and territories in the region contribute names based on their culture, plants and animals. The name Dolphin was contributed by Hong Kong. It was chosen as a tribute to the Chinese white dolphins that live in the waters around the city, which are also Hong Kong's official mascot. What is now a powerful super typhoon began as a name honouring one of the region's best-known marine animals.