Taiwan on alert for 2024’s first potential typhoon ’Ewiniar’

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) announced on Wednesday (May 8) that a tropical system signal has been detected in the low-latitude maritime areas east of the Philippines, potentially heralding the arrival of 2024's first typhoon, named "Ewiniar." (艾維尼)

This development comes as the northeastern monsoon strengthens, bringing brief showers to the eastern half of Taiwan, cloudy skies with occasional thunderstorms in other areas, and cooler temperatures nationwide after dusk, with lows around 20 degrees Celsius in northern Taiwan.

CWA forecaster Huang En-hong noted that if a tropical disturbance forms in the low-latitude maritime areas east of the Philippines, it would likely intensify into a stronger system between Thursday and Friday, following its initial detection.

This potential early formation of the year's first typhoon falls within the normal range of historical data, which shows the earliest typhoon forming on Jan. 1 and the latest on July 9. Thus, a mid-May formation does not signify an unusual delay in the typhoon season's onset.