Typhoon Hongxia expands, bringing heavy rain to Taiwan's east and south

Typhoon Hongxia's wind field has expanded, intensifying rainfall in Taiwan's eastern and southern regions and contributing to unstable weather conditions across the island. The Central Weather Administration issued a maritime typhoon warning early this morning, with the storm located about 280 kilometers southwest of Eluanbi.

The typhoon is moving northwest at speeds of 21 to 18 kilometers per hour. Its maximum sustained winds are estimated at 30 meters per second, with a 7-level wind radius of 180 kilometers and a 10-level wind radius of 60 kilometers. The storm's wind field is currently brushing the waters near southern Taiwan, posing a threat to the Bashi Channel, Dongsha Islands, and the Taiwan Strait. Forecasters anticipate the typhoon will strengthen as it moves through the Bashi Channel and Dongsha Islands before making landfall in China's Guangdong province.

Today, Taiwan will experience localized showers or thunderstorms due to the typhoon's outer circulation. Eastern and southern areas, particularly Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula, are expected to see continuous and significant rainfall, with a chance of heavy to torrential rain. Southern regions may also experience heavy showers. Northern coastal areas, Taipei, Yilan, and mountainous regions could see scattered brief showers, while central and northern areas are forecast to be partly cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms. There is a possibility of heavy rain in areas south of Hsinchu.

Temperatures will range from 33 to 36 degrees Celsius in western Taiwan and 31 to 33 degrees Celsius in the east. Northern regions might experience föhn winds due to descending winds, with temperatures potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Residents are advised to stay hydrated. Increased winds are expected in several areas, with gusts of level 8 or higher possible in Taoyuan, Yilan, Nantou, Pingtung, Taitung, and offshore islands. Long waves are also anticipated along the eastern, southwestern, and southern coasts, as well as on the Hengchun Peninsula and surrounding islands, prompting warnings for beachgoers.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain unstable through the weekend as southern cloud systems move northward. Sporadic showers and thunderstorms are likely in eastern and southern Taiwan, with heavy rain possible in Taitung and Hengchun. The weather is predicted to stabilize from Monday to Friday next week as high pressure builds, leading to mostly clear skies with only isolated showers in some areas.