TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Bureau (氣象署, CWB) predicted on Tuesday (June 25) a slightly below-average to normal typhoon season for Taiwan this year, with two to four storms expected between June and November.
According to CWB Weather Forecast Center Director Chen Yi-liang (陳怡良), this year marks a return to normal El Niño conditions, but a shift toward La Niña could occur in the latter half of the year. Historically, such transitions lead to counter-cyclonic circulations in the region, potentially increasing moisture in southern Taiwan without significant temperature changes.
Chen noted that while fewer typhoons are typical during La Niña years, those that do form may track closer to Taiwan. This year's forecast aligns with climatological averages that usually predict three to five typhoons near Taiwan during this period. Only two typhoons formed in the Northwestern Pacific from January to June, below the average of 4.27.
Chen emphasized the variability of typhoon impacts. "Each typhoon forms under different atmospheric conditions; proximity does not guarantee impact," he explained. He also highlighted typhoons' critical role in Taiwan's water supply and disaster planning, as the island depends on typhoon rainfall for half its annual water needs. In response, the CWB will enhance its typhoon warning system starting July 1, introducing new features to improve disaster preparedness.
