Taipei: The Central Weather Administration (CWA) announced on Thursday that a tropical system currently near the Philippines is predicted to strengthen into a tropical depression by Friday, potentially impacting Taiwan with rain over the weekend.

According to Focus Taiwan, localized heavy rain is anticipated in central and southern Taiwan on Friday, with sporadic thundershowers expected in the eastern half of the country, areas south of Hsinchu County, and mountainous regions. CWA forecaster Chang Cheng-chuan indicated that temperatures in western Taiwan and outlying Kinmen County are expected to exceed 36 degrees Celsius.

Chang mentioned that the tropical system is projected to approach Taiwan over the weekend and could intensify into Typhoon Danas. However, he noted that the current environmental conditions might not support significant development, leaving the extent of the system’s strengthening uncertain.

The system is expected to move westward on Thursday and Friday, before turning northward on Saturday. Its path remains uncertain, with possibilities of passing along Taiwan’s east or west coast, or even making landfall. The forecast indicates that the system will bring rainfall across Taiwan during the weekend, with localized sporadic showers in central, southern, and eastern regions, and afternoon showers in other parts of the country.

The eastern and southern regions of Taiwan might experience localized heavy rains. The anticipated rain is expected to reduce daytime temperatures to approximately 33-35 degrees Celsius across the island. By Monday, the system is likely to move off the northern coast of Taiwan, bringing sporadic showers to western regions and afternoon thundershowers across the island.