Typhoon Mikala intensifies; expected to weaken and turn north

Typhoon Mikala has strengthened into a moderate typhoon, with its center located approximately 1,000 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi as of early this morning. Former Meteorological Bureau Director Zheng Ming-dian noted that Mikala's intensity is expected to peak today, potentially reaching the upper limit for a moderate typhoon.

Zheng explained that Mikala began developing a central dense overcast yesterday, and although its eye is not yet clear, the eyewall clouds are nearly complete. This suggests a significant intensification phase is underway, with the storm likely reaching its maximum strength today.

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Mikala's intensity can be enhanced to near the upper limit of a moderate typhoon today.

Looking ahead, Zheng anticipates that Mikala will begin to weaken tomorrow due to increasing vertical wind shear. The typhoon is then expected to turn northward, moving away from Taiwan along its eastern sea passage. However, he cautioned that the storm's development intensity could influence its proximity to Taiwan's landmass.

Despite the anticipated northward turn, Zheng advised that Taiwan could still be affected by the typhoon's outer rain bands. Continuous monitoring is therefore necessary to assess any potential impact on the island.

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Mikala will begin to weaken tomorrow due to increasing vertical wind shear, and then start to turn north, moving north along Taiwan's eastern sea.