Taipei: Tropical Storm Fung-Wong has intensified into a typhoon as of early Saturday, with predominantly sunny to cloudy skies anticipated across most parts of Taiwan throughout the day.

According to Focus Taiwan, the typhoon was located approximately 1,760 kilometers southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point, at 2 a.m. It is moving west-northwest at a speed of 26 km per hour and is projected to reach Luzon in the northern Philippines by Monday. After entering the South China Sea, the typhoon may shift northward towards Taiwan, potentially leading to increased rainfall as well as stronger winds and waves along coastal areas through Wednesday. The CWA highlighted that due to the uncertainty of its path after Monday, the extent and areas of impact remain indeterminate.

Sunny to partly cloudy skies are predicted for most of Taiwan on Saturday, with brief, localized showers possible along Keelung’s coast, in Greater Taipei’s mountainous areas, and across the island’s eastern regions. Daytime temperatures could range from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius in western Taiwan, while eastern regions may experience cooler temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong remarked that the outer bands of Fung-Wong are expected to gradually approach Taiwan starting Monday, bringing increasing rainfall to the northern and eastern areas. Showers may also occur in southern regions like Kaohsiung and Pingtung, as well as in mountainous areas. Wu noted that after making landfall in Luzon, the typhoon is likely to turn northward and weaken, although the probability of strong winds and heavy rainfall persists. The path and intensity of the typhoon remain uncertain, necessitating continuous monitoring.