Typhoon Dolphin Shifts Toward Okinawa, Japan — China East Coast Threat Eases (August 2026)
Typhoon Dolphin changed course toward Japan's Okinawa Islands as of August 4, 2026, significantly reducing the earlier-forecast threat to China's Fujian and Zhejiang coasts. Landfall in Okinawa is now expected around August 7. Here is what travelers in East China and those transiting through Japan need to know.
Key takeaway
Typhoon Dolphin shifted course on August 4, 2026, veering toward Japan's Okinawa Islands instead of making landfall on China's Fujian-Zhejiang coast as previously forecast. The storm reintensified to Category 4 strength (260 km/h winds) and is expected to hit Okinawa around August 7. China's east coast threat has significantly diminished, but travelers transiting through Japan between August 6-9 should prepare for flight disruptions.
Full report
What Changed
The forecast for Typhoon Dolphin has undergone a major revision. As recently as August 3, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) projected landfall along the Fujian-Zhejiang coast between August 5 and 7. That projection has now been scrapped.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Dolphin shifted course northeast of Iwo To (Iwo Jima) in the Ogasawara Islands on August 4, completing its fourth eyewall replacement cycle and reintensifying to Category 4 equivalent. The JTWC now forecasts landfall on Okinawa Island around August 7, with typhoon-force winds affecting the Amami Islands and potentially Kyushu afterward.
The China Meteorological Administration confirmed on August 4 that no impact on China's maritime areas is expected before the night of August 5, and the storm's track has shifted sufficiently that a direct China landfall is now unlikely. Rough seas and peripheral rain bands may still affect China's east coast, but the catastrophic winds and storm surge previously warned about are no longer expected.
What to do next
- If in East China: resume normal itinerary; threat has diminished significantly. 2. If flying through Japan Aug 6-9: check airline travel waivers and rebook now if possible. 3. If you canceled China plans due to earlier Dolphin warnings: contact your airline about rebooking — the threat to China has passed.
What may vary
Typhoon tracks can shift by 100+ km within 24 hours. After Okinawa, Dolphin may curve toward Kyushu or the Korean Peninsula. China's southeast coast remains a secondary possibility if an unexpected westward turn occurs. Check official forecasts daily through August 8.
FAQ
Is Typhoon Dolphin still going to hit China?
No. As of August 4, 2026, the JMA and JTWC forecast landfall in Okinawa, Japan around August 7. A direct China landfall is now unlikely. Peripheral rain and rough seas may still affect China's east coast.
Should I cancel my trip to Shanghai or Xiamen this week?
No. The threat has significantly diminished. Flights to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Xiamen (XMN), Fuzhou (FOC), and Ningbo (NGB) are expected to operate normally.
Will my flight through Tokyo or Osaka be affected?
Possibly. Okinawa's Naha Airport (OKA) faces highest closure risk Aug 6-8. Tokyo and Osaka are less likely to see direct impact but connecting flights through Okinawa airspace may face delays.
Where can I track Typhoon Dolphin in real time?
[Zoom Earth](https://zoom.earth/storms/dolphin-2026/) provides live satellite tracking updated every few hours. The [Japan Meteorological Agency](https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html) and [JTWC](https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html) issue official forecasts.