Tropical storm strengthens into typhoon; sunny to cloudy skies Saturday: CWA

Taipei, Nov. 8 (CNA) Tropical Storm Fung-Wong strengthened into a typhoon early Saturday, with sunny to cloudy conditions expected across most of Taiwan during the day, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.

As of 2 a.m., Fung-Wong was still far away, located about 1,760 kilometers southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost point, moving west-northwest at 26 km per hour. It is forecast to reach Luzon in the northern Philippines by Monday, the CWA said.

After entering the South China Sea, the typhoon could turn northward toward Taiwan, bringing increased rainfall as well as stronger winds and waves along the coastal areas through Wednesday, the agency said.

Because its path remains uncertain after Monday, the extent and areas of impact will depend on its subsequent course, the CWA added.

Meanwhile, sunny to partly cloudy skies are expected across most of Taiwan on Saturday, with brief, localized showers possible along Keelung's coast, in Greater Taipei's mountainous areas, and across the island's eastern regions.

The CWA said daytime highs could reach 30-33 degrees Celsius in the western half of Taiwan, making it warm to slightly hot, while eastern Taiwan will be cooler at 28-30 degrees.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said Fung-Wong's outer bands are expected to gradually approach Taiwan starting Monday, bringing increasing rainfall to the north and east, with showers also possible in Kaohsiung and Pingtung in the south, as well as in mountainous areas.

After making landfall in Luzon, the typhoon would likely turn northward and weaken, Wu said, noting that the likelihood of strong winds and heavy rainfall remains high.

Its path and intensity remain highly uncertain, and continuous monitoring is needed, he added.