Heavy Rain Exceeds 400mm in Taipei, Moves Eastward

Heavy rainfall has significantly impacted northern Taiwan, particularly in Taipei and New Taipei City, where accumulations exceeded 400mm in the last 24 hours. This intense precipitation is attributed to the combined influences of the northeastern monsoon and outer circulation from a nearby typhoon.

Rainfall Records and Predictions

According to the Central Weather Bureau, the most intense rainfall occurred on Monday, particularly in the Wenshan District of Taipei, which recorded a peak hourly rate of 64.5mm. Rainfall is expected to be most severe between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Forecasts for cumulative rainfall from Monday through Wednesday suggest:

• New Taipei mountainous areas could see up to 1200mm.
• Rainfall in the Taipei, Taoyuan, and Yilan mountainous regions is projected to surpass 1000mm.
• By Tuesday afternoon, the cumulative rainfall in Taipei and New Taipei may approach 500mm, with Yilan receiving about 400mm.

Areas of Concern

Li Meng-hsuan, a forecaster, has advised residents to remain vigilant as heavy rain shifts towards eastern regions, including Yilan and North Hualien. The rainfall patterns will primarily concentrate in northern Taiwan through Tuesday.

Former director of the Central Weather Bureau, Zheng Ming-tian, explained that a small low-pressure system developing on the northeastern side of Taiwan is contributing to this localized significant rainfall, especially affecting the Greater Taipei and Yilan areas.

Wind Alerts and Typhoon Movements

In addition to heavy rains, coastal regions from central Taiwan northward, along with offshore islands such as Penghu, Matsu, Green Island, and Orchid Island, may experience strong winds classified under orange alerts, with sustained winds reaching level 9 and gusts exceeding level 11.

The Central Weather Bureau indicated that Typhoon Wind God is currently located in the northern South China Sea, moving towards Vietnam. Despite growing distance from Taiwan, the typhoon’s outer circulation continues to bring warm, moist air that will impact northern and northeastern Taiwan in conjunction with the cold air from the northeastern monsoon.

All residents are urged to remain alert as these weather patterns persist in the coming days.