Typhoon Dolphin Warning Lifted for Taiwan; Matsu Sees Record 37°C Heat

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration rescinded the typhoon warning for Dolphin (Baihaidun) late on August 9, concluding its impact on the island. The typhoon's center was located about 190 kilometers north of Matsu, moving northwest at speeds of 16 to 21 kilometers per hour.

Dolphin is notable for its exceptionally long lifespan, having formed far to the east of Taiwan. The last typhoon with a similar extended duration and track approaching Taiwan was Typhoon Ellen in 1983, which also prompted simultaneous sea and land warnings. Dolphin formed at 177 degrees East longitude, while Ellen originated around 171 degrees East.

The typhoon's path involved a slow, meandering movement before making landfall in China's Zhejiang province on the evening of August 9. During its proximity to Taiwan, rainfall totals were highest in Taipei (410.5 mm), followed by Taichung (391.5 mm) and Hsinchu (282 mm). Peak wind gusts reached 13-level on Pengjia Islet, with Lanyu and Keelung also experiencing strong winds.

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Dolphin's particularity lies in its formation far away, gradually moving closer to Taiwan and issuing warnings. The previous similar typhoon dates back to Typhoon Ellen in 1983, which issued simultaneous sea and land warnings, while Dolphin formed at 177 degrees East longitude and Ellen formed near 171 degrees.

A significant impact of Dolphin's passage was the extreme heat experienced in eastern Taiwan, Kinmen, and Matsu due to downslope wind effects. Matsu recorded a record high of 37 degrees Celsius on August 8, the highest since its weather station was established in 2004. Other areas like Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and Kinmen also saw temperatures soar above 37 degrees Celsius.

Looking ahead, Taiwan anticipates a week dominated by southwesterly winds. Brief showers are expected in central and southern Taiwan from August 10 to 13, with a higher chance of rain across the island from August 14 to 16 due to a broad low-pressure system. Southern and central regions may experience intermittent showers or thunderstorms, while localized, stronger thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons elsewhere.

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Under the influence of the downslope wind in the typhoon's outer circulation, significant high temperatures appeared in eastern Taiwan, Kinmen, and Matsu. Matsu recorded a high of 37 degrees on August 8, the highest since the station was established in 2004.