Tropical depression to develop into storm, unlikely to impact Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) A tropical depression east of Taiwan could strengthen into a tropical storm as early as noon on Tuesday, but is not expected to impact the island, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Monday.

As of 8 a.m., the depression's center was located 550 kilometers east of Taitung County and moving north-northeast at 15 km per hour, according to CWA data.

CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng (劉沛滕) said the depression was formed earlier in the day at 8 a.m. and could strengthen into a tropical storm Tuesday morning, but its projected path currently indicates it will have only minimal impact on Taiwan.

Taiwan has experienced weak wind conditions in recent days, with the occurrence of afternoon thunderstorms expected to become more prevalent before Wednesday but ease off over the following two days, Liu said.

Another low-pressure system near Hainan Island, China, is expected to move toward the Indochina Peninsula and may develop into a tropical depression, but is unlikely to strengthen into a tropical storm, he said.

Meanwhile, the forecaster said the CWA is monitoring cloud systems southeast of Guam for potential developments over the next few days.