TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tropical Depression TD09 is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Wipha on Thursday and pass south of Taiwan over the weekend, likely bringing rain to the south and east.
WeatherRisk meteorologist Wu Shengyu (吳聖宇) said Wipha is likely to move northwest near the northern tip of Luzon before entering the South China Sea, per SET News. While its distance from Taiwan remains uncertain, the country is expected to feel the effects of its outer bands.
By Thursday evening, easterly winds will begin to dominate around Taiwan. The typhoon's center could pass directly south of Taiwan on Friday, brushing past northern Luzon.
Eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula may see showers on Friday, with localized heavy rain possible. The west will remain relatively stable, though mountain areas may experience afternoon thunderstorms.
On Saturday, Wipha is forecast to enter the South China Sea and continue moving west-northwest. Taiwan will remain under the influence of its broad outer bands.
Showers are expected in the east and southeast, with possible isolated rain in southern Taiwan during the afternoon and evening. Central and northern areas will see minimal rain, mostly confined to mountainous regions.
By Sunday, Wipha is expected to approach waters south of Hong Kong and Macau while moving away from Taiwan. Its southeasterly flow will continue to affect the island’s weather.
Showers are forecast for eastern Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and the south, with localized heavy rain in Hualien, Taitung, and Hengchun. Yilan and Greater Taipei may see brief rain, while Taoyuan to Tainan could experience afternoon thunderstorms.
By Monday and Tuesday, Wipha will likely move inland over Guangdong. Taiwan will remain under the influence of a broad low-pressure zone and southerly to southeasterly winds.
Showers or thunderstorms are expected across the country, with localized heavy rain in the east. Afternoon heat could trigger further localized storms, and Wu warned that unstable weather will persist.
