Typhoon Dolphin nears Taiwan, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms

Typhoon Dolphin's outer circulation is now making landfall in Taiwan, bringing significant weather changes. The typhoon forum reported that the outer bands have started to reach the island, causing heavy thunderstorms in areas from Miaoli to Nantou. Intermittent showers are also occurring north of Hsinchu, while Yilan, located on the leeward side, is experiencing high temperatures due to subsidence, reaching 32.2 degrees Celsius early this morning.

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The outer circulation of Typhoon Dolphin has gradually hooked onto Taiwan's landmass, with heavy thunderstorms occurring in areas from Miaoli to Nantou, and intermittent showers occurring north of Hsinchu.

Experts note that Typhoon Dolphin possesses a double eyewall structure. This phenomenon causes the eyewalls to rotate and interact, leading to slight fluctuations in the typhoon's path. Despite these variations, the general direction remains northwestward. The typhoon forum warns that the next two days will see the most concentrated and significant wind, rain, and wave activity.

Forecasters anticipate continuous heavy rainfall in the central and northern parts of Taiwan. Mountainous areas north of Taichung could experience rainfall ranging from heavy downpours to torrential rain or even higher intensities. After the typhoon moves away, the focus of rainfall is expected to shift to southern Taiwan, particularly the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, which may face short-duration, intense downpours.

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Due to the double eyewall structure of Typhoon Dolphin, the inner and outer eyewalls will rotate and interact, causing some fluctuation in its path. However, the general direction is still heading northwest.

Taiwanese atmospheric scientist Dr. Lin De-en stated that the typhoon is steadily moving northwest under the influence of the environmental steering flow, with a very low chance of a significant northward turn. The typhoon is currently maintaining its status as a moderate typhoon. However, due to the influx of dry air from the north and its entry into waters with lower heat content and higher vertical wind shear, its intensity is projected to decrease. By Sunday, the radius of the seven-day average wind will shrink to 250 kilometers, and the maximum wind speed near the center will drop from 40 meters per second to 35 meters per second. By Monday, it is expected to weaken into a light typhoon with a maximum wind speed of 30 meters per second and a seven-day wind radius of 220 kilometers.

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The next two days are the closest the typhoon will be to Taiwan, and mountainous areas in the north and west should be aware of heavier rainfall, while the east should be aware of foehn winds.

Coastal areas, including the North Coast, should prepare for waves exceeding 6 meters. Waves along the northern, eastern coasts, and at Orchid Island, Green Island, and Matsu could reach 3 to 6 meters. Strong winds are also expected, with probabilities of average wind speeds of 6 or higher, or gusts of 8 or higher, in areas north of Taoyuan and northeastern Taiwan.

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Under the guidance of the environmental steering flow, Typhoon Dolphin is steadily moving northwest. The chance of a large-angle northward turn is very small.