Typhoon Bavi to strengthen; Taiwan weekend impact uncertain amid heatwave

Typhoon Bavi is forecast to rapidly intensify, potentially becoming a strong typhoon by the end of the week, with its path and impact on Taiwan expected to become clearer over the weekend. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) predicts that Bavi could strengthen into a powerful typhoon as early as Saturday, with an expanding storm radius.

Currently, Bavi is moving northwestward, and its trajectory will depend on the strength of the Pacific high-pressure system. Forecasters anticipate that the typhoon's path near Taiwan will be determined by Saturday or Monday, with its closest approach expected in the latter half of next week.

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The path will be determined by the strength of the Pacific high-pressure system. It will be clearest by the weekend, or even Monday.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is grappling with high temperatures. The CWA forecasts sunny to cloudy conditions across the island from Friday to next Wednesday, with southern regions potentially reaching around 37 degrees Celsius on Friday. Afternoon thunderstorms are also expected in mountainous areas nationwide from Friday to Sunday, with a slightly wider range on Monday to Wednesday as the Pacific high weakens.

Starting next Thursday, localized showers and thunderstorms are possible in northern and Yilan areas as Typhoon Bavi begins to shift northward. Coastal areas in Keelung, eastern Taiwan, and the southern Hengchun Peninsula may experience long waves starting Wednesday due to the typhoon's influence. Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the week, with western areas generally reaching 35-36 degrees Celsius, and eastern areas between 31-33 degrees Celsius.

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The typhoon is expected to strengthen rapidly, possibly becoming a strong typhoon by Saturday.