Tropical disturbance 94W nears Taiwan, expected to make landfall in Yilan tonight

Tropical disturbance 94W has moved to the waters off Taiwan's east coast and is forecast to make landfall in Yilan tonight, according to weather experts. The disturbance is exhibiting a discernible circulation structure, though its chances of intensifying into a tropical depression are considered low. Instead, it is displaying characteristics typical of a monsoon low, with stronger winds located in its outer bands.

Weather Risk Company senior consultant Wu Sheng-yu stated on Facebook that 94W is expected to move inland between Yilan and the northeast coast by evening. The system is projected to enter the northern Taiwan Strait by late tonight or early tomorrow morning, with its circulation center likely to dissipate within the broader monsoon trough.

Northern and eastern Taiwan are anticipating brief showers or thunderstorms due to the approaching disturbance. Central and southern areas are forecast to experience more pronounced convective thunderstorms, with the potential for heavy rainfall in mountainous regions. As 94W moves into the Taiwan Strait, northern and central Taiwan may still see intermittent showers or thunderstorms.

Looking ahead, Taiwan is expected to shift to a southerly to southwesterly wind pattern starting tomorrow, August 20. This change will bring increased rainfall to areas south of Chiayi on the windward side, with chances of showers or thunderstorms and potentially heavy downpours. Central and northern regions, as well as the east coast, should also remain alert for localized severe thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons. The weather is expected to remain unstable through Friday to Sunday (August 21-23) as another disturbance, 95W, moves north from the South China Sea towards the coast of mainland China, further adjusting the monsoon trough inland.

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94W has arrived off the east coast of Taiwan, vaguely possessing a circulation structure, but the chance of strengthening into a tropical depression is not high. The stronger winds are in the periphery, showing the characteristics of a monsoon low. It should make landfall between Yilan and the northeast coast from evening to night.