'White Dolphin' typhoon sweeps north of Taiwan, bringing heavy rain and high temperatures

Typhoon 'Bai Hai Tun' (White Dolphin) is currently positioned northeast of Taiwan and is tracking northwest, bringing significant weather changes across the island. As of Saturday morning, the storm's center was approximately 330 kilometers northeast of Taipei, moving at a speed of 18 to 15 kilometers per hour. Its influence is causing heavy rain and thunderstorms in northern and central Taiwan, particularly in mountainous areas, while southern and eastern regions are bracing for high temperatures.

The typhoon's outer circulation is forecast to impact Taiwan through Monday, with potential for localized heavy showers and thunderstorms in central and southern areas, especially in the mountains. The weather pattern is expected to persist with the influence of the southwest monsoon from Tuesday to Thursday, bringing intermittent rain to the south and central parts of the island. By Friday and Saturday, a low-pressure trough will affect Taiwan, leading to more widespread showers and thunderstorms.

Temperatures are expected to remain high, with highs ranging from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius in the north and central plains, and reaching 33 to 35 degrees Celsius in the south and east. Hualien and Taitung could experience highs of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, with potential for extreme temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius in some areas, prompting warnings for people to stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke. Air quality levels also vary, with the Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung areas rated 'good,' while other regions range from 'ordinary' to 'orange alert' levels.