TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan shifted to more stable weather on Thursday (April 9) as moisture decreased. TVBS weather consultant Cheng Ming-dean (鄭明典) noted that low clouds persisted in the western part of the island but would dissipate under sunlight. A southern wind from a high-pressure system made the weather feel muggy in most areas.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) reported that most regions were clear to partly cloudy, with a chance of isolated showers in mountainous areas during the afternoon. Daytime temperatures rose to between 27°C and 31°C (81°F and 88°F), making the weather feel hot and humid. Morning lows ranged from 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F), creating a notable temperature difference between day and night.
A tropical disturbance southeast of Guam is expected to develop into this year's fourth typhoon, Typhoon Sinlaku (SEEN-lah-koo), by Friday. The storm's path is expected to steer away from Taiwan, posing no direct threat to the island. The CWA also noted the recent emergence of "twin cyclones" in the Pacific, which serve as a key driver for El Niño, a climate pattern involving changes in winds and sea surface temperatures over the Pacific Ocean.
The CWA said a weather front will approach on Saturday, bringing more clouds and occasional rain to northern Taiwan. Areas from Taoyuan northward and Yilan will see increased cloud cover and a chance of isolated showers. Other regions will remain mostly cloudy to clear. ◼