Typhoon Hongxia strengthens over warm waters, outer bands to bring wind and rain to Taiwan

Typhoon Hongxia is intensifying as it moves over a warm ocean current, with forecasts indicating it could reach the upper threshold of a tropical storm or a minimal typhoon as it traverses the Bashi Channel over the next two days.

Forecasters at "Taiwan Typhoon Forum | Weather Express" noted that Hongxia is passing through an area with high sea surface temperatures, which is aiding its strengthening. If it maintains a suitable distance from Luzon, Philippines, it could reach its peak intensity during its passage through the Bashi Channel on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Hongxia is continuing to integrate its circulation. With the boost from the 'warm pool,' its intensity has a chance to reach the upper limit of a tropical storm or a minimal typhoon as it passes through the Bashi Channel today and tomorrow.

The typhoon's path is expected to be stable due to a firm Pacific high-pressure system. It is projected to cross the Bashi Channel today, pass near Dongsha Island on Wednesday, and make landfall in China's Guangdong province on Sunday. The storm's eye is forecast to briefly skirt the waters off Taiwan's southern Hengchun Peninsula for about 6 to 8 hours, without making direct landfall.

Despite the lack of direct landfall, Hongxia's outer circulation will bring wind and rain to various parts of Taiwan on Tuesday and Wednesday, creating distinct weather patterns across the island. Eastern and southern regions, including Hualien, Taitung, and Hengchun, can expect heavy rain and strong gusts. Southern and Kaohsiung areas along the coast may experience intermittent showers and strong coastal winds, while inland areas could see scattered showers. Northern regions, including Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms and strong gusts, alongside high temperatures. Areas from Hsinchu to Chiayi and the central plains may also experience afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures, while Penghu and Kinmen could face intermittent showers and strong gusts.

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Although the storm's eye will not make landfall, Hongxia's outer circulation will bring wind and rain to some areas today and tomorrow, resulting in significant differences in weather between the north and south, and the east and west.