Taiwanese Meteorologist's 'Baishantun' Typhoon Gaffe Sparks Mazu Blessings Jokes

Taiwan's "weather goddess," Wu Wan-hua, known for her professional and calming meteorological explanations, experienced a rare slip of the tongue during a live broadcast on August 9. While discussing Typhoon Bailong, she mistakenly called it "Baishantun."

The incident occurred during a noon press conference where Wu, deputy director of the Central Weather Administration's Weather Forecasting Center, was explaining the typhoon's latest movements. "The Central Weather Administration continues to issue a sea warning for Typhoon Baishantun, the 13th typhoon in the northwest Pacific," she stated, prompting some viewers to doubt their hearing.

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Sorry! I misspoke! I've been regretting it since that moment~

Wu later took to social media to apologize for the gaffe. "Sorry! I misspoke! I've been regretting it since that moment," she commented on Threads. Many netizens offered support and amusement, with some jokingly suggesting that the mention of Baishantun, a famous pilgrimage route associated with the Mazu deity, was a sign of divine protection. They quipped that the "Baishantun" mention meant Typhoon Bailong would not harm Taiwan.

Many netizens noted Wu's apparent devotion to Mazu, with one commenter mentioning, "I remember Wu Wan-hua is also a devotee and participates in the Baishantun pilgrimage." Another added, "This weather anchor is a Mazu believer... I've admired her broadcasts for many years."

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The Central Weather Administration continues to issue a sea warning for Typhoon Baishantun, the 13th typhoon in the northwest Pacific.