Doctors from National Taiwan University analyze typhoon activity in the northwest Pacific in 2026: they are formed earlier, more in number, slightly stronger in intensity, and have significant clustering phenomena

Lin De'en, a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences at National Taiwan University, pointed out that statistics on the formation and development of typhoons in the northwest Pacific from January to September 2026 showed that typhoon activity this year showed four major characteristics: "early formation, greater number, slightly stronger intensity, and significant clustering." As for whether the number of autumn typhoons this year will be as high as last year and the year before that, it remains to be continuously tracked and observed.

Lin Deen posted on Facebook on the 9th that first of all, the typhoon was generated earlier this year, and the activities in the first half of the year were obviously more active. According to data from the Central Meteorological Administration, a total of 8 typhoons were generated in the northwest Pacific from January to June 2026, which was significantly higher than the 2 typhoons in the same period last year and the year before last, and also higher than the climate average of 4.3.

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Lin Deen pointed out that typhoons occurred almost every month from January to June this year, with Typhoon Luoan taking the lead in January. This is also a very rare situation since records began.

Secondly, there are too many typhoons this year. As of the statistical time, 23 typhoons have been generated in the northwest Pacific, including 22 from January to August, significantly higher than the 14 in the same period last year and the 10 in the same period the year before last.

Third, in terms of typhoon intensity, Lin Deen said that in 2026, as the El Niño phenomenon is steadily developing and intensifying, the location of typhoons in the northwest Pacific is usually more east or southeast, and typhoons have a longer life span at sea, so the typhoon intensity may be slightly stronger. So far, five strong typhoons have occurred this year.

Fourth, the phenomenon of typhoon clusters this year is also quite significant. Lin Deen pointed out that there were 4 and 10 typhoons in the northwest Pacific in July and August this year, respectively, both higher than the climate average of 3.7 and 5.5 for the same period.

Among them, typhoons Bavi, White Dolphin and Sadr brought significant rainfall to Taiwan. This year, 14 typhoons were generated in July and August alone, accounting for more than 60% of the current total.

As for the development of typhoons in the future, Lin De'en said that whether the number of typhoons this autumn will be as high as last year and the year before that, "we still need to continue to follow up and observe!"