Storm Fung-wong likely to form Wednesday; impact on Taiwan uncertain

Taipei, Nov. 4 (CNA) A tropical depression east of the Philippines is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Fung-wong as early as Wednesday, with its potential impact on Taiwan still being monitored, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Tuesday.

The system is forecast to intensify into a typhoon before the weekend as it moves toward the Philippines, the CWA said, adding that a key turning point in its path is expected around next Monday.

Depending on atmospheric conditions, the storm could curve northward toward waters east of Taiwan or continue westward across the Philippines, the agency said.

Meanwhile, seasonal northeasterly winds will continue to bring rain to the north coast, as well as mountainous areas of greater Taipei and Yilan County on Wednesday, though overall moisture will gradually decrease, according to forecasters.

The wind is expected to weaken on Thursday, resulting in fewer showers, the CWA said. From Friday to Sunday, weather across most of Taiwan will be mostly stable, with sunny to partly cloudy skies.

A new surge in northeasterly winds is forecast to arrive Sunday night, bringing localized showers to northern and northeastern Taiwan that could last into next week, the forecasters added.