Taipei: Tropical Storm Fung-Wong is expected to intensify into a typhoon later on Friday as it continues its westward journey across the Pacific Ocean, potentially moving towards Taiwan next week.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has reported that as of 8 a.m., Fung-Wong was positioned approximately 2,190 kilometers east-southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost point. The storm is advancing westward at a speed of 25 kph, with projections indicating it could accelerate to 31 kph.

Currently located over the waters east of the Philippines, the storm remains distant from Taiwan. CWA forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng informed CNA that Fung-Wong is likely to strengthen into a typhoon by the end of the day. Forecasts predict its arrival in the South China Sea by Tuesday, with a possible northward turn towards Taiwan. However, Tseng cautioned that the exact trajectory of the storm remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether it will make landfall in Taiwan, traverse the Taiwan Strait, or veer on a more westerly path.

A sea warning may be issued on Monday, with a potential land warning to follow the next day. Fung-Wong is anticipated to approach Taiwan most closely between Wednesday and Thursday.

On Tuesday, widespread showers are expected across the northern and eastern regions of Taiwan, including the Hengchun Peninsula and southern mountainous areas, with the possibility of heavy to torrential rainfall. Under the influence of northeasterly winds, Taiwan is likely to experience sustained rainfall on Thursday as Fung-Wong approaches the waters east of the island.