Taiwan braces for heavy rain as low-pressure system and strong winds persist

Taiwan is bracing for significant rainfall as a low-pressure trough combines with strong southwesterly winds, increasing the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms across the island. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reports that central and southern Taiwan will experience extended periods of rain throughout the day, with a risk of localized heavy downpours or torrential rain. Eastern areas like Taitung will see shorter rain durations but still face the possibility of heavy rain, particularly in mountainous regions.

Northern Taiwan, including Yilan and Hualien, can also expect rain, with the heaviest periods anticipated between noon and evening. The CWA has issued warnings for potential localized torrential rain in northern areas and heavy rain in the mountains of Yilan and Hualien. Coastal areas in the southwest, Hengchun Peninsula, southeast, and outlying islands like Green Island and Orchid Island are likely to experience strong winds and long waves, prompting caution for those near the sea.

In addition to the weather, the CWA is closely monitoring Typhoon Saudel, located over 3,170 kilometers southeast of Taiwan. The typhoon is expected to intensify into a super typhoon and is projected to approach the waters near Japan's Ryukyu Islands next week. The administration notes significant uncertainty regarding its future track and will continue to provide updates.

Air quality is expected to improve across Taiwan due to the strong southwesterly winds and the rain's cleansing effect. Most air quality monitoring zones, including those in the north, central, south, and east, are forecast to be in the "good" to "moderate" range. Looking ahead, the forecast indicates continued unstable weather through next Wednesday, with a possibility of heavy rain in the central and southern regions, before conditions gradually improve by the end of the week.