A brewing tropical disturbance near the Philippines is likely to develop into a tropical storm, but its potential to impact Taiwan early next week remains unclear, independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said today.
Wu said an initial tropical disturbance is to pass to the north of the Philippines and the seas southwest of Taiwan on Thursday, bringing a chance of rain.
Photo: Taipei Times
However, he said it is unlikely to develop into a storm.
However, a second weather system currently in waters east of the Philippines has about a 70 percent chance of developing into a tropical storm, Wu said.
The storm could affect Taiwan early next week, although its path remains unclear.
European forecasting models show it moving toward the Bashi Channel on Sunday, while US models show it approaching eastern Taiwan, he said.
Meanwhile, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) predicted clear sunny skies across Taiwan today, with afternoon thundershowers likely in eastern and southern Taiwan, and mountainous regions south of Taoyuan.
Daytime temperature highs could surpass 35°C in the western half of the main island and 32°C in the eastern half, CWA data showed.
Heat warnings are effective through late this afternoon, with "orange" alerts issued by the CWA for Taipei, Pingtung County and New Taipei City's Wugu District (五股), indicating highs of 36°C for three consecutive days.
"Yellow" warnings have been issued for New Taipei City and Taoyuan, indicating highs of 36°C.
The Ministry of Environment said that "moderate" to "good" air quality is forecast for most of Taiwan, but that it would be "unhealthy for sensitive groups" — children, the elderly and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions — on offshore Kinmen County.
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