Where Typhoons Come From
by Andy Su · Oct 2026
Almost every summer, Taiwan gets a "typhoon day." Schools close, and many people stay at home. But what is a , and where does it start? (Hint: it begins far away, over the warm ocean.)
A is a huge storm. It starts over the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and Taiwan. In summer and early autumn, the sun heats the sea, and the of the water gets very high. Warm, wet air rises from the sea and forms tall clouds. When the air goes up, more air rushes in from the sides to take its place.
Because the Earth spins, this moving air does not go straight. It starts to turn in a giant circle. North of the equator, always turn the other way from a clock's hands. The storm grows bigger and stronger when it gets more heat and water from the ocean. Some are hundreds of kilometers wide!
In the middle of a , there is a quiet area: the "eye." Inside the eye, the wind is light, and you may see blue sky. But don't go outside! The strong winds soon come back from the other side.
bring heavy rain and strong winds. They can cause floods and landslides, and they can houses and farms. But they also bring a lot of water, and Taiwan needs that rain for its rivers and lakes. So before a comes, listen to the weather , food, water, and a , and stay inside. Respect the storm, and it will pass.