Low-pressure area east of Philippines could affect Taiwan by Monday

菲律賓以東低壓區下周一恐影響台灣

One of two low-pressure areas east of Philippines could affect Taiwan by Monday


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Although Tropical Storm Wipha is unlikely to affect Taiwan, three low-pressure areas to the south of Taiwan could develop into tropical depressions or storms and affect the country by Monday (Aug. 5).

Central Weather Bureau (CWB) forecaster Chen Yi-hsiu (陳伊秀) said that a tropical depression in the South China Sea would soon develop into Tropical Storm Wipha, the seventh tropical storm of the year, as soon as today (July 31). It will have no direct impact on Taiwan, but moisture in the air will increase tonight.

As for two low-pressure areas to the east of the Philippines, one or two more days of observation are needed to determine whether they will develop into tropical depressions or tropical storms. WeatherRisk Explore Inc. President Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said that they might impact Taiwan by Monday (Aug. 5) or Tuesday, but "honestly it would be easier for us to wait until the tropical storm is officially named and we can monitor the systems' paths again."

Chen said that if one of these systems develops further, it would likely affect Taiwan from Monday through Wednesday (Aug. 7). Peng said that typhoon season is in full swing.

Peng said that the low-pressure disturbances over the South China Sea and east of the Philippines are developing vigorously. Peng said that some weather models indicate that one of the two systems to the east of the Philippines may approach Taiwan by Monday or Tuesday.

However, Peng pointed out, "To be honest, it would be easier to wait until [Wipha] is officially named and see the tropical storm's path again. Otherwise, if we look at it every day now, one day it will seem to be approaching [and] the next day it won't be. This is the wrong message. We suggest that we wait a little longer to observe it again. Don't be too anxious."

In response, Chen said this is a forecast that is six or seven days out, so the accuracy will be lower. Further observations are needed.