Typhoon Qiabi expected to intensify and approach Taiwan

Typhoon Qiabi, the 29th typhoon of the year, is expected to intensify into a medium to strong typhoon as it moves through waters with high sea temperatures and low wind shear. The Central Weather Administration reports that the storm is currently moving west-northwest and could see its storm radius expand significantly.

Forecast models show conflicting paths. While the European ECMWF model suggests the typhoon may move toward Japan without directly impacting Taiwan, American NCEP and various AI models indicate a path that brings the storm very close to Taiwan. Even if the center does not make landfall, the typhoon's outer circulation combined with an strengthening northeast monsoon is expected to bring unstable weather, rain, and cooler temperatures to northern and eastern Taiwan during the upcoming holiday period.

Authorities have warned of potential long waves along the northern coast of Keelung, the eastern coast, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Matsu starting from the 21st. Before the typhoon's influence, much of the region will experience high temperatures, reaching 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.