Seasonal winds from the northeast are expected to lower temperatures starting this weekend, with northern and eastern Taiwan likely to see daytime lows of about 20°C and highs between 26°C and 28°C through Thursday, the Central Weather Bureau said. An increase in humidity could bring showers during the period.
The cold air should have less of an effect on central and southern Taiwan, where temperatures are expected to range from 22°C to 32°C with slightly cloudy to sunny skies, the bureau said.
The bureau added that Typhoon Phanfone is unlikely to directly affect the nation in the coming days, as it would likely move northeast toward the main islands of Japan after passing Okinawa.
Those planning to travel to Japan over the weekend should watch the storm’s development for possible flight disruptions, it said.
In other news, the Taipei Astronomical Museum said next week would be a significant one for stargazers, as a total lunar eclipse, the peak of a meteor shower and the brightening of a planet are all expected on Tuesday.
The Draconid meteor shower peaks late on Tuesday night, producing up to 10 shooting stars per hour, the museum said.
The Draconid meteor shower is created each year when Earth passes through a trail of dust left over by the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, an icy wanderer of the solar system that orbits the sun once every 6.6 years.
In addition, the planet Uranus is to be at its brightest for the year on Tuesday when it reaches opposition, which occurs when Earth passes between Uranus and the sun.
Meanwhile, a total lunar eclipse is to be visible between 6:30pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday, weather permitting, the museum said.
The last time a lunar eclipse and a Uranus opposition occurred simultaneously was in September, 2006, the museum said, adding that such a coincidence is not due to take place again until November 2022.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
A fourth public debate was held today about restarting the recently decommissioned Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a referendum on the controversial issue to be held in less than two weeks. A referendum on Aug. 23 is to ask voters if they agree that “the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.” Anyone over 18 years of age can vote in the referendum. The vote comes just three months after its final reactor shut down, officially making Taiwan nuclear-free. Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) represented
Scoot announced yesterday that starting in October, it would increase flights between Taipei and Japan’s Narita airport and Hokkaido, and between Singapore and Taipei. The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also said it would launch flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda airport between December and March next year. Flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai would begin on Jan. 1, with five flights per week operated by an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot said. Flights between Singapore and Okinawa would begin on Dec. 15, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said. Services between Singapore