TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A tropical depression west of Guam strengthened into Tropical Storm Mekkhala on Saturday as it moves toward waters east of Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration said.
Environmental conditions are favorable for further intensification. Under a Pacific high-pressure system, the storm is expected to move west-northwest toward waters northeast of the Philippines through Monday, according to CNA.
From Tuesday, the weakening high-pressure system is expected to allow Mekkhala to gradually turn north toward Taiwan. Current forecasts place its closest approach around Thursday as it passes through waters east of the country.
While the present track suggests limited impact on Taiwan, uncertainty remains. A more westward path cannot be ruled out, which could increase effects on Taiwan and nearby waters.
CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng (劉沛滕) said that under the strengthening Pacific high-pressure system, weather across Taiwan will remain stable through Tuesday. Isolated short showers are expected in mountainous areas.
As of 8 a.m. Saturday, the storm was about 1,960 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan, moving west at 18 kilometers per hour, according to LTN.
