Will Taipei City suspend work and classes tomorrow? Will Typhoon Dolphin grant an early 'typhoon preparedness holiday'? Mayor Chiang responds

Meteorological monitoring indicates that Typhoon Dolphin, currently a moderate typhoon, is steadily approaching Taiwan. Forecast models suggest the storm will come closest to Taiwan from the weekend through next Monday (August 8–10). The precise timing of Typhoon Dolphin’s projected northward turn will directly determine the extent of its impact on Taiwan’s main island, making preparations against intermittent heavy winds and rains in northern lowland areas an urgent priority. As the typhoon threat looms, whether Taipei City will suspend work and classes—or again implement a 'typhoon preparedness holiday'—has become a focal point for the public.

During Typhoon Bavi’s landfall in July, Taipei City previously implemented a typhoon preparedness holiday despite limited actual wind and rain, citing precautionary preparedness. That decision sparked widespread public debate and scrutiny. Now, with Typhoon Dolphin approaching in quick succession, Taipei’s decision-making approach and emergency response measures are once again under close public and media observation.

Will a Typhoon Preparedness Holiday Be Issued? Mayor Chiang Wan-an Announces Latest Disaster Response Strategy

On August 6, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an visited the Taipei City Disaster Response Center (EOC) to personally chair a preparedness meeting for Typhoon Dolphin and review progress reports from various city departments. Prior to the meeting, when questioned by reporters about the possibility of a typhoon holiday or preparedness leave, Mayor Chiang outlined the meteorological data and assessments currently available.

In remarks to the press, Mayor Chiang stated that meteorological teams predict a high likelihood of a sea typhoon warning being issued in the afternoon of August 7. If the storm’s wind field continues moving toward the northeastern waters, the impact on Taipei City could be significant. Chiang emphasized that the city government adheres to a consistent disaster response principle: 'Above all, we must anticipate broadly and respond strictly.' His visit to the EOC was intended to ensure comprehensive oversight of all departments’ typhoon preparedness efforts, guaranteeing that city teams are fully ready in advance.

When Will Winds and Rains Be Strongest? Taipei’s Timeline for Heavy Rain, Downpours, and Strong Gusts Revealed

According to predictive models from Taipei’s meteorological team, the city’s most significant wind and rain impacts from Typhoon Dolphin are expected to occur over the weekend. Data indicates that on August 8 and 9, Taipei is highly likely to experience heavy rain or even torrential downpours, accompanied by strong gusts of 7 to 9 on the Beaufort scale. Residents are urged to exercise caution when going outdoors and to take early precautions against the typhoon.

However, Typhoon Dolphin’s path still carries considerable uncertainty, with slight daily variations in the angle and timing of its projected northward turn. The city government is closely monitoring the typhoon’s trajectory and continuously assessing whether wind and rain forecasts will meet the thresholds for suspending work and classes.

When Will the Decision Be Made? Timing of Sea Warning and Announcement Revealed

When asked whether a decision on suspensions could be announced as early as August 7, Mayor Chiang explained that, based on current projections, there is a very high probability of a sea typhoon warning being issued in the afternoon of the 7th. However, since the typhoon’s movement path and speed remain in a dynamic adjustment phase, there is still some time before significant impacts are expected.

Chiang added that the city government team will, around the time of the sea warning’s issuance, use the latest meteorological forecasts and EOC evaluations to timely announce subsequent arrangements regarding work and school suspensions and related leave policies. For now, the city’s focus remains on thoroughly implementing all typhoon preparedness measures in advance.