Typhoon Sarca nears Taiwan, potential for alerts as heavy rain looms

Typhoon Sarca is on a path toward Taiwan, with forecasters anticipating it will make its closest approach to the island on Friday and Saturday. Current predictions suggest the typhoon will maintain a strength between the lower end of a moderate typhoon and the upper end of a limited typhoon.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) stated that Sarca is moving northwestward along the southern edge of the Pacific high-pressure system. Its trajectory, particularly the degree to which it shifts southwest, will depend on the strength of this high-pressure ridge. This could result in the typhoon passing north of Taiwan, moving closer, or even making landfall.

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Sarca is currently moving along the southern periphery of the Pacific high pressure, heading northwest-west. After reaching the waters near Ryukyu on Wednesday, it will turn southwest-west. The southward shift depends on the strength of the Pacific high pressure to the north.

Forecasters are closely watching the situation, as there is a possibility of issuing sea and land alerts if Sarca draws nearer to Taiwan. By Thursday, Sarca is expected to be closer, increasing the chance of rain in northern Taiwan. The most significant impact is anticipated on Friday and Saturday, with northern areas and central mountainous regions potentially experiencing heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Conson is expected to move slowly near Hainan Island and weaken after making landfall in China, posing no threat to Taiwan. Tropical Depression TD23, located southeast of the Philippines, may strengthen into a typhoon but is expected to weaken later, following Sarca's path. Another tropical depression, TD24, has formed southwest of Taiwan and is expected to gradually move away, though it has contributed to unstable atmospheric conditions causing heavy rain in southern Taiwan.

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Sarca is expected to approach gradually on Thursday, with an increased probability of rain in the north. It will be closest on Friday and Saturday, with northern areas and central mountainous regions needing to watch for localized heavy rain or downpours, depending on the typhoon's path and proximity to Taiwan.