A rare 'dual typhoon' phenomenon has emerged in the Northwest Pacific. According to the latest forecast from the Central Weather Administration, the tropical depression west of Luzon has officially intensified into the 14th mild typhoon, named 'Kujira,' as of early this morning. Wu Derong, adjunct associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Central University, analyzed that this system will have a relatively short lifecycle. After turning eastward, it is expected to make landfall in Luzon tomorrow and weaken, dissipating quickly—making it a true 'short-lived typhoon.'

Although Typhoon Kujira poses minimal threat to Taiwan, the movement of Typhoon Dolphin—the 13th typhoon located near the Ryukyu Islands—is critical. Wu Derong stated that Dolphin remains a large, moderate typhoon and will steadily move westward over the next three days, passing through the Ryukyu region. On the fourth day, it is expected to reach the southern East China Sea, where its speed will begin to slow, increasing uncertainty in its track.

Why is the location where Typhoon Dolphin turns northward so important? Wu Derong cited the latest European ensemble model simulations, explaining that the typhoon’s specific path beyond four days depends on how quickly the high-pressure system to the north weakens. This variable affects how far west the typhoon continues before turning north, thus influencing the timing and location of its northward shift.

If the northern high pressure weakens slowly, the typhoon will continue moving westward, approaching mainland China before turning north—resulting in more significant wind and rain impacts on Taiwan. Conversely, if Dolphin turns north soon after entering the southern East China Sea, its impact on Taiwan will be minimal. Therefore, the turning point of the typhoon’s northward shift will be the key focus of atmospheric observation in the coming days.

How will weather, rainfall, and temperatures evolve across Taiwan over the next week? Today, Taiwan remains under the strong influence of the Pacific high-pressure system, resulting in stable atmospheric conditions and typical midsummer weather. Skies are clear and extremely hot nationwide. People should take sun protection measures and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. Only isolated, light afternoon showers are expected in mountainous areas.

The Central Weather Administration has issued high-temperature advisories today, with Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Tainan City, Pingtung County, and Hualien County under orange alerts, where temperatures may exceed 36°C consecutively. Changhua County and Yilan County are under yellow alerts, also facing possible highs above 36°C.

Starting tomorrow, wind patterns will shift, with northeasterly winds developing around Taiwan. Northern windward areas may experience occasional brief showers, while isolated thunderstorms in central and southern mountainous regions during the afternoon could affect some lowland areas.

As Typhoon Dolphin’s circulation passes through northern waters from the 7th to the 9th and begins turning north, western Taiwan will see scattered brief showers starting on the 7th. Rainfall will gradually expand on the 8th and 9th, with a slight drop in temperatures.

Notably, the eastern half of Taiwan, located on the leeward side, may experience extreme heat due to downslope winds. All regions must also remain vigilant against strong gusts.

How long will moisture persist after the typhoon leaves? From the 10th to the 12th, as Typhoon Dolphin gradually moves away, the ambient wind field around Taiwan will shift to southwesterly. Affected by the windward side, localized showers or thunderstorms are expected in southwestern areas, with potential for heavier rainfall. Elsewhere, weather will return to hot and sunny conditions, though northern and southeastern regions should watch for extreme heat. With atmospheric instability continuing, isolated afternoon thunderstorms are likely in northern and central areas.

From the 13th to the 14th, moisture from the southwest flow will slightly decrease, but localized rainfall may still occur in southwestern areas during early morning and in mountainous regions during the afternoon. Given the dramatic weather changes expected over the next week, the public should continuously monitor the latest meteorological updates and adjust outdoor activities and typhoon preparations accordingly.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News