TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Usagi weakened to a mild typhoon early Friday (Nov. 15), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). Due to the outer circulation, authorities warned of potentially heavy rain in Hengchun Peninsula, Taitung, and Pingtung mountain areas.
As the typhoon approaches, rain will intensify later in the day. The administration advised residents in the Hengchun Peninsula to prepare for short bursts of intense rainfall and strong gusts near the typhoon's center. Other regions might experience increased cloud cover and localized rain.
From the morning, Keelung's north coast, Hengchun Peninsula, and Matsu will face strong gusts of 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale. By the afternoon, these conditions will extend to coastal Pingtung, Orchid Island (蘭嶼), Green Island (綠島), and Penghu, escalating to 9 to 10 by evening in Hengchun Peninsula.
Temperatures across Taiwan and Kinmen will range from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, with lows between 23 and 25 degrees. Penghu will see temperatures from 23 to 26 degrees, while Matsu will range from 21 to 22 degrees.
The eastern and southwestern coasts, Hengchun Peninsula, Penghu, Orchid Island, and Green Island, may experience long waves, with wave heights reaching approximately 3 meters and up to 4 to 6 meters in Hengchun Peninsula.
The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) indicated poor dispersion conditions in western Taiwan, leading to pollutant accumulation. Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Matsu, and Penghu will maintain "Good" air quality.
At the same time, northern regions, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Kinmen, will see "moderate" levels, with temporary spikes to "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" in some areas.