Rain forecast to intensify later Monday as Typhoon Fung-Wong approaches

Taipei, Nov. 10 (CNA) Northern and eastern Taiwan can expect increased rainfall later Monday due to the approach of Typhoon Fung-Wong and the influence of northeasterly winds, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

A sea warning for Typhoon Fung-Wong could be issued later Monday at the earliest, the CWA said.

As of 2 a.m., Fung-Wong was located about 580 kilometers south of Taiwan, moving northwest toward the Taiwan Strait, and it is forecast to turn northeast toward Taiwan while gradually weakening, the CWA said.

From Monday night through Tuesday, the combined effects of the typhoon's outer bands and northeasterly winds are likely to bring heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of Keelung, the Greater Taipei area, the eastern half of Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula in the south, the CWA said.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in central and southern Taiwan on Wednesday, the CWA said, adding that Fung-Wong is forecast to weaken as it passes over Taiwan and gradually moves away the following day.

The rain is likely to ease in most areas on Thursday, but occasional heavy showers may still fall in the north, the CWA said.

Independent meteorologist Wu De-rong (吳德榮) has forecast that the combined effects of the typhoon and northeasterly winds will peak on Tuesday, with heavy downpours expected in northern and eastern Taiwan.

The rainy conditions are likely to improve gradually starting Thursday as the typhoon leaves Taiwan, Wu said, adding that sunny to cloudy skies are forecast to return nationwide on Saturday.

Meanwhile, temperatures of 22-24 degrees Celsius are expected Monday across northern Taiwan and Yilan County in the east, while central and southern Taiwan will see daytime highs of 30-32 degrees, according to the CWA.