TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tropical Storm Francisco strengthened into a typhoon Wednesday (July 23) morning in the eastern waters of the Philippines, tracking northwesterly toward Taiwan. Meteorological expert Jia Hsin-hsing (賈新興) warned that three typhoons could potentially form starting Thursday (July 24). The weather specialist urged the public to remain vigilant as the storm system approaches the region.
Jia explained on his YouTube channel that TD10, now Typhoon Francisco, sits within a monsoon circulation low-pressure zone with its main rainfall structure positioned to the northeast. The meteorologist noted a higher likelihood of the typhoon moving toward northeastern Taiwan and Okinawa. Disturbances 98W and 99W are expected to develop into typhoons between Thursday (July 24) and Friday (July 25), with 99W likely to impact Luzon.
The outer circulation of the typhoons could bring localized showers to areas north of Taoyuan and Yilan starting Thursday (July 24) and Friday (July 25). Jia added that scattered afternoon showers are expected in mountainous regions and areas south of Tainan. Saturday (July 26) may bring localized showers from Hsinchu to Tainan, with similar patterns Sunday (July 27) affecting areas north of Hsinchu plus Hualien and Taitung.
Strong southwestern winds in the low-pressure zone could trigger brief overnight showers across western Taiwan from Monday (July 28) to Friday (Aug. 1). Heavier rainfall is likely to affect areas south of Miaoli during this period. The weather pattern suggests continued instability throughout the final week of July and into early August. ◼
