TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), the island's meteorological agency, announced on Wednesday (June 11) that a tropical depression churning near the disputed Paracel Islands could intensify into a mild typhoon in the coming days. The weather system, currently positioned approximately 1,005 kilometers southwest of Taiwan's southernmost tip at Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻), is tracking northwestward before an anticipated northerly turn near China's Hainan Island (海南島), officials said.
As the tropical system progresses northward, meteorologists predict it will transform into a low-pressure zone that could bring significant precipitation to Taiwan beginning Thursday. The eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung, along with central and southern regions of the island, face the highest risk of heavy downpours. CWA forecasters warned that by evening hours, eastern and southeastern coastal areas — particularly the tourism-heavy Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) at Taiwan's southern tip — could experience intense localized rainfall as atmospheric moisture levels steadily increase throughout the day.
Taiwan continues to swelter under oppressive summer heat, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 95°F) across the island nation. The Greater Taipei metropolitan area and regions throughout central and southern Taiwan may endure even more punishing conditions, with mercury potentially climbing above 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Meanwhile, the weather administration has issued advisories for potential strong winds along Keelung's northern coastline, the Hengchun Peninsula, and the outlying Matsu islands — where powerful gusts could reach force 8 on the Beaufort scale, capable of breaking twigs from trees.
Taiwan's outlying island territories will experience markedly different conditions as the weather system approaches. The Penghu archipelago and Kinmen island, both situated in the Taiwan Strait, can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius (80.6 to 89.6°F). Matsu, a cluster of islands closer to mainland China's Fujian province, will face predominantly cloudy conditions with slightly cooler temperatures from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (78.8 to 86°F). Authorities are advising all residents across Taiwan and its territories to prepare for rapidly fluctuating weather patterns and remain vigilant for further advisories as the tropical system evolves. ◼