Will August 8 Be a Typhoon Holiday? 5 Counties/Cities Face Over 40% Wind Impact Probability, Latest Path of Typhoon Dolphin, Closure Criteria, and Rainfall Timeline

Typhoon Dolphin continues to approach Taiwan, making 'Will there be a typhoon holiday on Father's Day?' the top public concern. According to the latest forecast from the Central Weather Administration, the typhoon will come closest to Taiwan between August 8 and 10, with a marine typhoon warning likely to be issued as early as this (August 7) afternoon. A land warning for Matsu cannot be ruled out. The latest 120-hour wind impact probability shows Lienchiang County at 64%, with Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan all exceeding 40%. Northern Taiwan could face the most significant wind and rain over the weekend.

Wind impact probability exceeds 40% in five northern cities — Lienchiang County hits 64%

According to the Central Weather Administration’s published '120-Hour Typhoon Wind Impact Probability,' five counties/cities across Taiwan now exceed a 40% wind impact probability: Lienchiang County (64%), Keelung City (50%), Taipei City (45%), New Taipei City (43%), and Taoyuan City (40%).

These figures indicate a rising likelihood that the typhoon’s outer circulation and storm zone will affect northern regions and offshore islands, increasing scrutiny over whether local governments will announce work and class suspensions.

According to the Central Weather Administration’s '120-Hour Typhoon Wind Impact Probability,' five counties/cities across Taiwan now exceed a 40% wind impact probability, with Lienchiang County at 64% being the highest. (Image: Central Weather Administration)

Typhoon Dolphin strengthens further — Marine warning likely today

Latest paths of Typhoon Dolphin and Typhoon Changho. (Image: CWA official website)

As of 2 a.m. today, Typhoon Dolphin’s center was located at 26.9 degrees north latitude and 130.4 degrees east longitude, moving northwest-west at 24 km/h. The central pressure is 955 hPa, with maximum sustained winds near the center at 38 m/s and gusts up to 48 m/s. The radius of gale-force winds (7+ level) extends about 280 km.

Based on current projections, Dolphin will continue moving northwest to west, passing near the Ryukyu Islands today. A marine typhoon warning could be issued as early as this afternoon. If the path shifts slightly southward, a land warning for Matsu cannot be ruled out. The typhoon’s center is expected to pass through waters north of Taiwan over the weekend—the period of greatest impact on Taiwan.

Heaviest rain and wind from tomorrow to Monday — Northern mountainous areas should watch for torrential rain

The Central Weather Administration notes that starting today, outer cloud bands will bring scattered showers to western Taiwan, with more noticeable rainfall along coastal areas of central and southern Taiwan from early morning to midday.

The main impact will occur from August 8 to 10. As Typhoon Dolphin passes through waters north of Taiwan, northern and central mountainous areas and Matsu will experience showers or thunderstorms, with localized heavy rain possible. Northern mountainous areas face the highest risk of torrential rain, requiring vigilance against short-duration intense rainfall and river flooding.

Additionally, isolated rainfall is possible in central, southern, northeastern, and other mountainous regions. Hualien-Taitung areas will mostly be cloudy to sunny, though isolated rainfall may still occur on plains. Due to subsidence effects from the typhoon, foehn winds may develop in some areas, with temperatures potentially exceeding 36°C.

Will August 8 be a day off? Final decision rests with local governments

Although wind impact probabilities in northern Taiwan continue to rise, decisions on work and class suspensions are not based solely on these figures. Each county/city government will make announcements after comprehensively evaluating the Central Weather Administration’s latest wind and rain forecasts and standards outlined in the 'Regulations on Suspending Work and Classes During Natural Disasters.'

Therefore, as of now, it remains undecided whether August 8 will be a day off. The public should continuously monitor the latest typhoon updates from the Central Weather Administration and official announcements from local governments to stay informed about changing weather conditions and disaster preparedness.

Q1: What are the criteria for suspending work and classes during a typhoon?

According to the Executive Yuan’s 'Regulations on Suspending Work and Classes During Natural Disasters,' local governments do not base decisions solely on whether a typhoon makes landfall. Instead, they evaluate meteorological forecasts, actual disaster conditions, and traffic safety.

Main criteria include:

Wind criteria: Based on CWA forecasts, if a region may be within the typhoon’s gale radius within four hours, with average winds reaching force 7 or higher, or gusts reaching force 10 or higher.

Rainfall criteria: If rainfall reaches the threshold set by each county/city for suspending work/classes and has caused or may cause disasters.

Special circumstances: Even if wind and rain do not meet the above thresholds, local governments may still suspend work/classes if terrain, transportation disruptions, flooding, or landslides pose safety risks.

Q2: Who decides on work and class suspensions?

Decisions for public agencies and schools within each county/city (including special municipalities) are generally made solely by the respective county/city mayor.

However, given that some counties/cities span large areas where mountainous and flatland weather conditions differ significantly, local governments may flexibly delegate decision-making authority to township, town, or city mayors based on local terrain, geography, and transportation conditions.

Q3: When are suspension times defined?

Announced by 10 p.m. the previous night: 'Full-day suspension' runs from midnight to 12 a.m.; 'Morning suspension' runs from midnight to the end of morning classes.

Announced by 4:30 a.m. the same day: If 'full-day suspension' is announced at this point, it runs from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.; 'Morning suspension' runs from 8 a.m. to the end of morning classes.

Segmented suspensions: 'Afternoon suspension' runs from the usual start of afternoon work/classes (typically 1:30 p.m.) to 12 a.m.; 'Evening suspension' runs from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Q4: What if my residence, workplace/school, and commute route have different suspension decisions?

If any one of your residence, essential commute route, or workplace/school location announces a suspension, you may stop working or attending class.

Q5: Do employees get paid during a typhoon holiday?

Under current Taiwanese regulations, typhoon holidays are classified as 'temporary work suspension due to force majeure.' Therefore, the law does not mandate employers to provide paid leave. In other words, if employees choose not to report to work due to safety concerns, employers are legally allowed to withhold that day’s wages.

However, if employees do not show up due to safety concerns, employers may withhold wages but must not deduct attendance bonuses, cut salaries, record absences, or count it as personal leave.

DGPAs Suspension Information: https://www.dgpa.gov.tw/typh/daily/nds.html

Source: Central Weather Administration

Responsible Editor / Lin Li