TAIPEI — Occasional short-term showers and afternoon thunderstorms are expected to persist in central and southern Taiwan through Tuesday (July 16), as the country braces for the effects of a nearby tropical depression forecast to approach later in the week.
According to Central Weather Administration (CWA) forecaster Lin Dingyi, the tropical system, which is currently categorized as a tropical depression, is projected to come closest to Taiwan from Friday to Sunday (July 19–21). Though international weather models vary on the storm’s strength, current estimates suggest it will remain a tropical depression as it moves through the Bashi Channel toward China’s Guangdong coast.
Due to the outer circulation of the system, rainfall will significantly increase in the southern and eastern regions, particularly in Hualien and Taitung, where heavy rain is anticipated. Lin warned residents in these areas to remain alert for possible flooding or landslides.
The week’s weather pattern will be shaped by a combination of southwesterly winds and the approaching low-pressure system. On Monday and Tuesday, occasional localized showers or thunderstorms will impact the central and southern regions, with a higher chance of afternoon heavy rain, especially in mountainous areas.
Thursday (July 17) will see relatively drier conditions, with most regions experiencing cloudy to sunny skies. However, brief early morning showers may occur in central and southern areas due to sea and land breeze interactions. Afternoon thunderstorms remain possible in northern mountainous areas, including Greater Taipei.
Rain chances will increase again starting Friday. The eastern half of the country and the Hengchun Peninsula are likely to experience scattered showers, while other areas may see localized thunderstorms by afternoon.
Over the weekend, the eastern regions and parts of southern Taiwan will be most affected. Hualien and Taitung, in particular, should prepare for potentially heavy downpours. Rainfall is expected to continue into Monday (July 21) as the low-pressure system lingers, bringing widespread short-term showers across much of the country.
Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the week, especially in northern Taiwan. Lin noted that the Greater Taipei area will continue to experience highs of up to 36°C on Monday and Tuesday.
Residents along Taiwan’s northern and eastern coastlines should also be cautious of potential long ocean swells over the weekend, particularly as the tropical depression passes through nearby waters.
The CWA advises the public to stay updated on the latest weather bulletins and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides.
