Tropical storm Sanba forms in the South China Sea

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) announced on Wednesday (Oct. 18) that the tropical depression formerly positioned over the Paracel and the Macclesfield Islands has escalated into a tropical storm. 

The storm, the 16th of the year, has been internationally dubbed Sanba.

Expectations are for the storm to move north-northwest, and according to the CWA, it is unlikely to affect Taiwan. 

As the monsoon winds from the northeast weaken today, humidity around Taiwan is also gradually decreasing. Only the eastern region and the Hengchun Peninsula will witness scattered, brief showers. Mountain regions may also experience occasional rain in the afternoon.

In terms of temperature, the north and northeast regions are slated to see a mild increase today. 

Areas north of Taoyuan and the island's eastern half will experience high temperatures ranging between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius. In comparison, areas south of Hsinchu will see highs of 30 and 31 degrees. 

Morning and evening lows across all regions will be between 21 and 23 degrees, with a slight variation in the central and southern parts. 

Residents are advised to take note of this temperature fluctuation when going out.