TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan could see two to four tropical storms during the second half of the year, between normal or fewer than usual, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Tuesday (June 25).

Under usual circumstances, three to five storms might emerge over the Northwest Pacific but cooling waters during La Nina were likely to reduce their number this year, per Radio Taiwan International (RTI). The storms were also likely to form closer to Taiwan than previously, according to the CWA.

Only two tropical storms appeared during the first half of 2024,  less than half the average of 4.27. Neither of them directly affected Taiwan.

The CWA said that starting next month, it would add predictions about the likelihood and timing of the arrival of strong force 7 winds three to five days beforehand. The new forecasts would help residents and disaster prevention groups to take adequate precautions, according to the CWA.

Pointing to records from the past few months, the weather service said rainfall had been less than usual. From May to June 23, precipitation totaled 251.6 millimeters instead of the average 409 mm.

While there had been eight waves of “plum rain” during the past two months, they had been short, resulting in the fifth driest period since 1950.