Residents of northern and eastern Taiwan should brace for heavy rain and potential disruptions as Typhoon Champi approaches the island. Forecasts indicate that the typhoon will have its strongest impact on Friday and Saturday, with heavy to extremely heavy rain expected in several regions before the storm shifts toward Japan on Sunday.
As the typhoon nears, rainfall is predicted to increase in northern and northeastern Taiwan, particularly impacting the greater Taipei area and Yilan County. The combination of seasonal northeasterly winds and the storm’s outer circulation may lead to persistent showers and localized heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous areas. Hualien County and central Taiwan’s mountainous regions are also likely to experience significant rain.
In addition to the rain, temperatures in affected areas are expected to drop, with daytime highs potentially falling to around 23°C to 24°C starting Thursday. However, Taitung County might see temperatures soar above 36°C on Friday due to warm, dry foehn winds descending from the mountains.
Typhoon Champi is currently located approximately 1,050 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost point, moving west-northwest at a speed of 23 kilometers per hour. Its projected path shows a slight westward shift, though forecasts remain uncertain and subject to updates.
Authorities are considering issuing a sea warning late Wednesday or early Thursday, with a potential land warning to follow on Thursday afternoon or evening, contingent on the storm’s trajectory and intensity.
As the typhoon moves away from Taiwan on Sunday, rainfall is expected to gradually diminish, concentrating mainly in northeastern areas. Residents in northern and eastern Taiwan, as well as those in mountainous regions, are advised to stay updated with official weather reports and prepare for possible severe weather conditions and related disruptions.