Taiwan’s typhoon season has started slower than usual this year. Typically, typhoons form in the Pacific Ocean during spring. However, no typhoons have appeared so far. Instead, several tropical disturbances have been noted, but none grew strong enough to become typhoons.According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), it is rare for typhoons to fail to form until this late in the season. CWA meteorologist Lin Ding-yi explained that current weather patterns have played a significant role. She noted that a strong high-pressure system in the western Pacific Ocean is present. Additionally, strong easterly winds have slowed the arrival of southwest winds.
Because of this, convection in the Philippine Sea remains weak. This weak convection reduces the chances of typhoons forming. Lin added that no signs indicate typhoon development in the near future. Moreover, she said the CWA expects no tropical disturbances in the South China Sea within the next eight to ten days.Historically, typhoons have formed at an average rate of 4.27 between January and June. However, this year, the slow start challenges those averages. Meanwhile, CWA meteorologist Lin De-en shared more historical context.
He pointed out that many typhoons appear in the western Pacific and South China Sea during May alone.Lin De-en further explained that typhoons in May make up just about 4% of all typhoons in a year. Looking at typhoons that hit Taiwan directly in May, only a few have done so historically. He linked this low number to a weak Pacific high-pressure system during that month.
The first typhoon of a slow season often forms later and can develop quickly. For example, one typhoon formed late but rapidly became a super typhoon with a clear eye and strong structure, striking Taiwan strongly.During its impact, gusts reached very high levels in Taitung. The typhoon caused several deaths, hundreds of injuries, and led to millions in agricultural damages across Taiwan.
In conclusion, the slow start to Taiwan’s typhoon season continues to defy typical patterns. Experts remain vigilant and continue to monitor weather conditions closely. The key phrase “slow start to Taiwan’s typhoon season” reflects this unusual trend, appearing throughout the article to highlight its importance.
