Super Typhoon Dolphin Intensifies to 280 km/h — Fujian and Zhejiang Brace for Landfall August 5–7 (2026)
Super Typhoon Dolphin has intensified to maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h (Category 5 equivalent) as it tracks toward China's Fujian-Zhejiang coast, with landfall now expected between August 5 and 7, 2026. Foreign travelers in Shanghai, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Wenzhou should prepare for flight cancellations, train suspensions, and port closures starting as early as August 4.
Key takeaway
Super Typhoon Dolphin has intensified to a Category 5-equivalent storm with maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h (175 mph) and 13-meter waves. The storm is tracking toward the Fujian-Zhejiang coast with landfall expected August 5-7, 2026 — a sharp escalation from earlier forecasts. Travelers in Shanghai, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Wenzhou, and Hangzhou should expect flight cancellations, high-speed rail suspensions, and port closures starting as early as August 4.
Full report
What Changed
On July 31, 2026, China's Ministry of Water Resources issued a broad warning that Typhoon Dolphin "could make landfall" anywhere along China's eastern or southern coast between August 1 and 15. At the time, the storm was a Category 2-equivalent typhoon.
Since then, Dolphin has undergone rapid intensification over the warm waters of the northwestern Pacific. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the storm reached super typhoon status with maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h — making it the fourth super typhoon of the 2026 Pacific season. Satellite imagery from Zoom Earth on August 2 showed a well-defined eye and symmetric outflow, confirming the storm's organization.
The tracking forecast has tightened significantly. Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reports that as of August 3, Dolphin is shifting from a west-northwest track to a more direct westerly path, accelerating to roughly 25 km/h toward the Fujian-Zhejiang border area. Meteored projects landfall between August 5 and 7, with Fujian and Zhejiang provinces already preparing for heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds.
Ports in Shanghai and Ningbo — still clearing backlogs from Typhoon Noul in late July — are already seeing new congestion warnings, according to shipping intelligence firm TFG Global.
What to do next
- Check your travel insurance coverage for typhoon-related cancellations. 2. Contact your airline or OTA about travel waivers for August 4-8 east coast flights. 3. Download the 12306 English app for real-time train updates. 4. Book refundable accommodation for any east coast arrivals August 5-10. 5. Save emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/rescue), 120 (ambulance).
What may vary
Typhoon tracks are dynamic. The JTWC forecast has high confidence through August 5 and medium confidence beyond. Dolphin could veer north toward the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai) or south toward the Taiwan Strait. Official Chinese emergency response levels (blue/yellow/orange/red) will be announced by provincial governments and may trigger mandatory coastal evacuations.
FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Shanghai right now during Typhoon Dolphin?
Shanghai is not in the direct landfall path based on the August 3 forecast, but it will experience outer rainbands, strong winds, and flight disruptions starting around August 4-5. If your trip is flexible, waiting until after August 8 is safer.
Will my flight to Fuzhou or Xiamen be cancelled due to Typhoon Dolphin?
High probability of cancellations for flights scheduled August 5-7, 2026. Most major carriers have activated flexible rebooking for east coast China destinations. Check your airline's app or website for travel waivers.
How do I get real-time Typhoon Dolphin updates in English while in China?
Use Zoom Earth (zoom.earth/storms/dolphin-2026) for live satellite tracking, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center for official forecasts, and your airline's app for flight-specific updates. Chinese weather alerts on Weibo and WeChat are mostly in Chinese.
What should I do if my flight to east China is cancelled by Typhoon Dolphin?
Contact your airline directly (not just the OTA). Ask about travel waivers which allow free rebooking. Consider flying into Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen as alternative entry points, then taking a train inland after the storm passes.
Is it safe to travel to Shanghai right now?
Shanghai is not in the direct landfall path based on the August 3 forecast, but the city will experience outer rainbands, strong winds, and flight disruptions starting around August 4-5. If your trip is flexible, waiting until after August 8 is safer.
Will my flight to Fuzhou or Xiamen be cancelled?
High probability of cancellations for flights scheduled August 5-7. Check your airline's travel waiver page — most major carriers have already activated flexible rebooking for east coast China destinations.
How do I get real-time typhoon updates in English while in China?
Use [Zoom Earth](https://zoom.earth/storms/dolphin-2026/) for live tracking, the [Joint Typhoon Warning Center](https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html) for official forecasts, and your airline's app for flight-specific updates. Chinese weather alerts on Weibo and WeChat are mostly in Chinese.
What happened with Typhoon Noul and why does it matter now?
Typhoon Noul hit Guangdong on July 26, forcing 715,000 evacuations and cancelling over 350 Hong Kong flights. The storm triggered mudslides at Jiuzhaigou National Park. East China's emergency response and port systems are still processing that event — a second major storm within two weeks compounds the impact.