TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tropical Storm Bebinca (貝碧佳) is predicted to bring showers to north Taiwan on Saturday (Sept. 14). 

As of 2 a.m., Bebinca was located 1,740 km east of Eluanbi heading north-northwest at 21km/h with 90 km/h sustained wind and gusts up to 118 km/h, reported the Central Weather Administration (CWA). WeatherRisk forecaster Liao Yu-ting (廖于霆) said Bebinca's path had shifted slightly northward and is expected to strengthen into a moderate typhoon as early as Friday.

Liao said although Bebinca will not directly affect Taiwan, its outer circulation may bring Saturday showers. Showers are likely north of Miaoli, while weather in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan will generally be stable, though afternoon thunderstorms may occur in the mountains. As the wind direction shifts on Sunday, the rainfall will ease. 

Liao predicted Bebinca's eye would pass through Naha on Okinawa Island from Saturday afternoon to evening, before entering the East China Sea on Sunday.

From Monday to Tuesday, the winds around Taiwan will shift to easterly, bringing more clouds and brief showers to the east, while the west will see mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. The weather for the Mid-Autumn Festival is expected to be better in the west, allowing for good moon viewing. 

Liao said the eastern and Keelung's north coast will have more cloud cover, making moon viewing a matter of luck.