Abstract:The sudden track change of typhoons, including its moving direction and speed, is still a difficult problem in operational typhoon track forecasting. Its great track error in operation often results in the failure of typhoon defense, which is related to the lack of understanding on its mechanisms. This paper reviews and summarizes the research achievements and latest progresses in the sudden track change of typhoons. From the points of the interaction between typhoon and multiscale systems, the inner dynamic mechanism and the situation of the underlying surface, the main environmental factors, physical processes, dynamic and thermal structural characteristics related to sudden track change of typhoons are summarized. Moreover, the probability of the sudden track change of typhoons, forecast techniques and existing problems are investigated. Some research issues about sudden track change of typhoons that need to be concerned about are discussed.