TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Meteorologist Wu De-rong (吳德榮) warned on Sunday that northern and eastern Taiwan will see significant rainfall in the coming days due to the combined effects of northeasterly monsoon winds and the periphery of Tropical Storm Fengshen passing to the south, per UDN.
Wu said heavy rainfall is expected from Sunday through Wednesday, posing potential risks in northern mountainous and low-lying areas. Eastern counties such as Hualien and Taitung may also face flooding, especially in regions already affected by landslide-formed barrier lakes.
In addition to heavy rain, temperatures in northern Taiwan are forecast to drop steadily, with daytime highs decreasing by about 3 degrees Celsius. Starting Monday, lows in the north could fall to around 20 C, Wu said.
Latest model simulations show Tropical Storm Fengshen will gradually weaken between Thursday and Saturday as it moves northwest into the South China Sea and then turns southwest near Hainan Island. Despite its weakening, strong northeasterly winds will continue to funnel moisture to Taiwan’s windward side, bringing persistent rain, he added.
The Taipei City Office of Disaster Management said continuous rainfall is expected through Tuesday, with torrential rain likely in the mountainous areas of Yangmingshan, Neihu, and Nangang. The office urged the public to avoid activities in mountainous regions and waterways during the long holiday weekend, per Liberty Times.
Officials also warned that persistent rainfall could cause river levels to rise rapidly, prompting upstream reservoirs to discharge water. Riverside evacuation gates may be closed or restricted at short notice.
The Taipei Water Resources Department reminded residents that dike closures could occur if river levels increase quickly. It advised against parking or engaging in activities in riverside parks, particularly in low-lying areas along the Tamsui River near Taipei Bridge and Bailing Left and Right Bank Riverside Park.
Drivers who park in these areas can register their vehicle information with the city’s Parking Management Office to receive flood-preparedness text alerts about dike parking lot closures.
