Tropical Storm In-Fa likely to impact weather in Taiwan next week

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Tropical Storm In-Fa closest to Taiwan on July 22, according to current forecasts (Central Weather Bureau image) Tropical Storm In-Fa closest to Taiwan on July 22, according to current forecasts (Central Weather Bureau image)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A tropical depression likely to develop into Tropical Storm In-Fa on Saturday (July 17) night is likely to effect the weather in Taiwan as it bypasses the north of the island on July 22, according to weather forecasters.

The depression is east of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon and is set to move in a northwesterly direction over the next few days as it picks up strength and speed. It could develop into a tropical storm and possibly into a typhoon, CNA reported.

According to predictions by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), by Wednesday (July 21) morning, it will reach the area between Japan and Taiwan, moving in a generally westerly direction toward China.

The storm is likely to be closest to north Taiwan during the night from Wednesday to Thursday (July 22). How close and how strong it might be is difficult to determine at this early stage, the CWB said.

Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) suggested that after strengthening into a full typhoon, In-Fa might head straight for Taiwan. Equally, it could veer off on a more northerly course, passing through Okinawa and failing to disrupt Taiwan’s weather to any serious degree.

Fast-moving tropical depression to impact southern Taiwan tonight

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TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A fast-moving tropical storm is poised to impact Taiwan as soon as this evening (July 5) and could intensify into a tropical storm.

According to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), as of 4 a.m. this morning, TD07 was 940 kilometers southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost tip of Eluanbi, moving west-northwest at a speed of 34 kilometers per hour (kph). It is packing maximum sustained winds of 54 kph and gusts of up to 82 kph.

Meteorologist and WeatherRisk Explore Inc CEO Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said that based on current conditions, there is a strong chance that the tropical depression will develop into the sixth tropical storm of the year — In-Fa. If it becomes a tropical storm, the CWB will issue a sea warning.

He said that the storm is moving very fast and will have the biggest effect on Taiwan from this evening until Tuesday morning (July 6). Peng predicted that the cyclone will bring heavy rain to the eastern half of Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Pingtung.

Peng indicated that a sea warning is likely, but whether a land warning is issued will depend on developments with the system over the coming hours. He said that after it passes through the Bashi Channel on Tuesday, there will no longer be any lingering effects from the storm on Taiwan.

As for the weather today, Peng said that daytime temperatures will be scorching across the country, with afternoon thunderstorms possible in mountainous areas possible. In the evening, heavy rains are likely in the eastern half of the country, the Hengchun Peninsula, and southern Taiwan.

While central and northern Taiwan will see less of an impact, thunderstorms are still possible in mountainous areas. In addition, strong wind gusts are likely from the Hengchun Peninsula to Taitung and to a lesser extent the coast of northern Taiwan.

After the storm fades away by mid-day Tuesday, the weather across Taiwan will continue to be sweltering, with opportunities for thunderstorms in mountainous areas in the afternoon. Due to a high-pressure ridge, typical hot summer weather is expected to continue for the next one to two weeks.

Three or four typhoons forecast to hit Taiwan in 2nd half of 2021

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