TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A tropical depression formed Wednesday (Aug. 27) in the western Philippine Sea, marking the latest weather development threatening Taiwan's region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (日本氣象廳) confirmed the system's intensification, while meteorologist Chia Hsin-Hsing (賾新興) warned of a 40% to 50% chance the depression could strengthen into a typhoon. The system continues moving northwest toward the South China Sea, prompting weather officials to closely monitor its trajectory.
Meteorologist Chia identified another concerning weather pattern southeast of the Ryukyu Islands that could evolve into a typhoon after next Wednesday. Weather predictions become increasingly unreliable beyond five days, he cautioned, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of both systems. The dual threat underscores Taiwan's vulnerable position during peak typhoon season.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), the island's meteorological authority, predicts scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday (Aug. 28) across eastern, southeastern, and Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula regions. Keelung's north coast, northeastern areas, and Greater Taipei's mountainous regions will experience intermittent rainfall. Most other areas, including offshore islands Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, expect partly cloudy to clear conditions with possible afternoon thunderstorms. ◼