Taiwan Braces for Heavy Rain; Typhoon Saudel May Approach

Southern Taiwan and eastern mountain regions are on alert for heavy rainfall as a low-pressure system and strong southwest winds intensify.

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Affected by strong southwest winds and a low-pressure trough, southern Taiwan will experience localized heavy rain or short-duration torrential rain today. Other areas will have scattered showers or thunderstorms. In the afternoon, due to thermal effects, northern Taiwan will have localized heavy rain.

The Central Weather Administration forecasts significant downpours, potentially reaching豪雨 (heavy rain) levels, particularly in southern areas and the mountains of Hualien starting tonight. Other regions can expect scattered showers or thunderstorms, with localized heavy rain possible in the north during the afternoon due to thermal effects.

Adding to the weather concerns, Typhoon Saudel is tracking northwestward. It is expected to be near the waters southeast of Taiwan by Wednesday. Current projections indicate a higher probability of it moving westward, potentially bringing it closer to Taiwan. If it approaches, northern Taiwan could experience noticeable rainfall on Thursday and Friday due to its outer circulation, though the exact proximity remains under observation.

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Currently, the sea surface from south of Hainan Island to east of the Philippines is in a low-pressure trough environment. Low-pressure systems are developing to the northeast and southwest of Taiwan. The medium typhoon 'Saudel' east of Taiwan is moving northwestward under the influence of the northern Pacific high-pressure system.

In related weather news, Typhoon Haikui, which had been lingering near Hainan Island, is expected to make landfall and weaken, posing no direct threat to Taiwan. A tropical depression that made landfall in China's Zhejiang province has also weakened and does not meet typhoon criteria for Taiwan. Recent rainfall data shows significant accumulation in southern Taiwan over the past 24 hours, with some areas exceeding 300 millimeters, while northern Taiwan experienced intense thunderstorms, including a peak hourly rainfall of 101.5 millimeters in Fuguijiao.

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Current data shows that under the mutual influence of the northern high-pressure system and the large low-pressure trough, the probability of westward movement is higher, and it may approach Taiwan.