Typhoon 'White Dolphin' path uncertain; Taiwan braces for potential impact

Taiwan is closely monitoring the approaching Typhoon 'White Dolphin,' with key decisions about its path expected by Wednesday. The storm, currently a moderate typhoon, is located about 2,400 kilometers from Taiwan and is moving westward. Its trajectory is being influenced by the subtropical high-pressure system.

Forecasters are observing a significant divergence between two primary weather models. The AI model suggests the high-pressure system will weaken, causing the typhoon to make a sharp turn northward towards the coast of Eastern China or South Korea. This scenario would result in a lesser impact on Taiwan. Conversely, the traditional model predicts the high-pressure system will remain strong, guiding the typhoon westward. It could potentially pass north of Taiwan or move towards the Zhejiang and Fujian regions of China.

Saturday, August 8th, is anticipated to be a critical turning point for determining the typhoon's ultimate path. The uncertainty surrounding the storm's trajectory means the potential impact on Taiwan's weather remains highly variable. The typhoon's wide-reaching storm field is currently expanding as it moves towards the Ryukyu Islands. The Central Weather Administration forecasts a higher probability of a northward turn after passing the islands.