The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued its autumn 2024 forecast Friday morning which includes a normal typhoon season.
CWA Weather Forecast Center director Chen Yi-liang (陳怡良) pointed out that temperatures were high this summer across Taiwan. Even with typhoon-driven cooler periods, the average temperature was higher than the climate average, and the fourth warmest for the same period since 1951. Rainfall was average to slightly less than average, not including the phenomenal deluge from Typhoon Gaemi and ocean winds. Of typhoons, summer contained slightly fewer than average in the Pacific, with only 8 compared to a 9.2 average.
Looking forward, Chen said that autumn will likely be warmer and rainier than average– possibly influenced by a probable La Niña weather pattern in the winter. ‘Probable’ as current surface sea temperatures are warm which, with a building body of cold temperatures in the east, is predicted to trigger the phenomenon.
Chen also emphasized that September and October are still active typhoon periods in the northwest Pacific and Taiwan could still be affected by one before the season is over. On average, Taiwan experiences one to two typhoons each autumn, with this year predicted to be a typical or low typhoon season. If a typhoon does hit the island, special attention should be paid to the possibility of heavy rainfall with an accompanying monsoon effect.
Finally, the CWA reminded citizens that in central and southern Taiwan, fall will gradually give way to the dry season. People from all walks of life were recommended to adjust water usage accordingly to help make sure this has the least impact on daily life.