Typhoon Mekkhala Brings Rain Risk to Taiwan

Intermediate | June 24, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Taiwan Gets Ready for Typhoon Mekkhala

Taiwan is preparing for rain from the outer bands of Typhoon Mekkhala Taiwan rain as the storm moves near the island. Focus Taiwan reports that Taiwan will likely see cloudy to sunny skies on Wednesday, with temperatures possibly reaching 37 degrees Celsius, before the storm’s outer bands bring rain from Thursday to Saturday. In simple English: first the heat, then the rain. Taiwan weather clearly enjoys keeping people on their toes. (Focus Taiwan)

Why Typhoon Mekkhala Taiwan Rain Matters

This story matters because Taiwan may not get a direct hit, but the storm can still affect daily life. The Central Weather Administration says Typhoon Mekkhala will pass closest to Taiwan on Thursday. Its outer circulation will bring occasional showers or thunderstorms to northeastern and western Taiwan, with localized heavy rain possible in mountainous areas of the south. That means commuters, families, hikers, and businesses may all need to adjust their plans. (Focus Taiwan)

Where the Rain Could Fall

The biggest rain risk will likely affect northeastern and western Taiwan. Southern mountain areas may also see localized heavy rain. Earlier reporting from Focus Taiwan says the storm will bring localized rain or thundershowers to western and northeastern parts of Taiwan when it comes closest to the island. So, while some places may only see a few showers, other areas could get a serious soaking. That is why checking local updates matters. (Focus Taiwan)

The Storm’s Location and Direction

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the typhoon sat about 500 kilometers southeast of Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point, and moved toward the Ryukyu Islands and southern Japan, according to the Central Weather Administration. A day earlier, Focus Taiwan reported that the storm sat about 770 kilometers southeast of Eluanbi and moved toward waters east of the Philippines. In other words, the storm moved closer, but still tracked offshore rather than straight across Taiwan. (Focus Taiwan, Focus Taiwan)

Cooler Weather After the Heat

The storm may bring some relief from the heat. Focus Taiwan reports that temperatures around Taiwan will fall to around 30 degrees Celsius from Thursday to Saturday because clouds and rain increase. That may sound like good news after temperatures near 37 degrees, but cooler weather with thunderstorms is still not exactly a beach party. Rain can affect traffic, outdoor work, school plans, and travel schedules. (Focus Taiwan)

Another Storm Nearby

The Central Weather Administration also mentioned Tropical Storm Higos, which sat about 2,630 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi at 2 p.m. Tuesday. However, Higos will move northwest toward Japan and will not affect Taiwan. So, for Taiwan, the main concern remains Typhoon Mekkhala and its outer rain bands. (Focus Taiwan)

The Big Picture

The big picture is that Taiwan should prepare for unsettled weather, even if Typhoon Mekkhala does not directly strike the island. People should watch local forecasts, carry umbrellas, avoid risky mountain areas during heavy rain, and stay careful on wet roads. Typhoon Mekkhala Taiwan rain reminds us that storms do not need to hit directly to cause problems. Sometimes the outer bands are enough to make Thursday’s commute feel like a team-building exercise nobody asked for.

Vocabulary

Typhoon (noun) – a powerful tropical storm in the western Pacific.
Example: “Typhoon Mekkhala is moving near Taiwan.”
Outer Bands (noun) – the outer parts of a storm that can bring rain and wind.
Example: “The outer bands may bring rain to Taiwan.”
Forecast (noun/verb) – a prediction about future weather.
Example: “The forecast says rain may begin Thursday.”
Thunderstorm (noun) – a storm with thunder, lightning, and rain.
Example: “Some areas may see thunderstorms.”
Localized (adjective) – affecting only a small area.
Example: “Mountain areas may get localized heavy rain.”
Circulation (noun) – the movement of air around a weather system.
Example: “The storm’s outer circulation may bring showers.”
Administration (noun) – an official organization or government department.
Example: “The Central Weather Administration gave the update.”
Soaking (noun) – a lot of rain or getting very wet.
Example: “Some areas could get a serious soaking.”
Unsettled (adjective) – changing often and not stable.
Example: “Unsettled weather is expected from Thursday to Saturday.”
Commute (noun/verb) – the trip between home and work or school.
Example: “Heavy rain can make the morning commute slower.”

Discussion Questions About the Article

When is Typhoon Mekkhala expected to pass closest to Taiwan?
What kind of weather could the outer bands bring?
Which parts of Taiwan may see rain or thunderstorms?
How are temperatures expected to change from Thursday to Saturday?
Why can a typhoon affect Taiwan even without a direct hit?

Discussion Questions About the Topic

How do people in your area prepare for heavy rain or storms?
What should businesses do when severe weather is expected?
How can weather reports help people make better decisions?
What problems can heavy rain cause in cities?
Do you think people usually take storm warnings seriously enough?

Related Idiom

“Weather the storm” – to survive or manage a difficult situation.

Example: “Taiwan is preparing to weather the storm as Typhoon Mekkhala brings rain risk.”

📢 Want more practical English through real news stories? Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter here: allaboutenglishmastery.com/newsletter

Want to build stronger English in less time? Check out Mastering English for Busy Professionals.

Follow our YouTube channel @All_About_English for more English tips and practice.

This article took inspiration from: Focus Taiwan, Taipei Times, and Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reporting cited by CNA.