TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Dolphin is expected to churn closest to Taiwan's northern waters this Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 8-9). The moderate typhoon threatens to disrupt Father's Day weekend celebrations with heavy rain in northern regions. Extreme heat warnings have also been issued for eastern counties, the Central Weather Administration said Thursday (Aug. 6).
As of 2 p.m., the typhoon — internationally named Dolphin and known in Chinese as Baihaitun (白海豚) — was located approximately 1,120 km (696 miles) east of Taipei. It was moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h (89 mph), equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane.
The weather agency said a sea warning could be issued as the storm approaches, with a land warning for Matsu (馬祖), Taiwan's outlying island chain near China's Fujian Province, also not ruled out. The storm's projected path remains highly uncertain.
Northern Taiwan and central mountain areas face the heaviest rainfall risk Saturday and Sunday, with potential heavy rain or extremely heavy rain. Northern mountain areas could see the most persistent precipitation.
The administration urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, stay hydrated and watch for heat illness signs. Vulnerable groups — including the elderly, children and outdoor workers — should take extra precautions.
Coastal areas also face heightened risks. Long waves are expected along the northern coast near Keelung, eastern shorelines including Lanyu (蘭嶼) and Green Island (綠島), and the Hengchun Peninsula from Saturday through Wednesday (Aug. 8-12).
Private forecaster Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) of the Meteorological Application and Development Foundation (氣象應用推廣基金會) noted that the typhoon's trajectory depends on how quickly high pressure to its north weakens. If the storm tracks closer to mainland China before turning, Taiwan would see greater impact; if it turns north earlier, effects would be minimal.
WeatherRisk (天氣風險) echoed the uncertainty, advising residents to monitor updates when planning weekend activities.
Maritime conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly. Winds over northern waters could reach Beaufort scale 13-14 with gusts up to scale 16 Saturday and Sunday, while wave heights may exceed 6 meters (20 feet).
Details on potential transportation disruptions affecting Father's Day travel were not immediately available. The Central Weather Administration said it would continue monitoring the storm. ◼