Taiwan to face six days of unpredictable weather ahead

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is bracing for six consecutive days of rain starting Tuesday (April 23), according to National Central University adjunct associate professor of atmospheric sciences Daniel Wu. 

Wu warned that a lingering front near Taiwan and occasional strong southwestern winds would create an extremely unstable atmospheric environment from Tuesday to Sunday.

The latest European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model, updated at 8 p.m. on April 21, predicts mostly sunny weather on Monday (April 22), with daytime temperatures as hot as midsummer and cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. 

Central, southern, and eastern Taiwan may see temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, so residents should take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke. Meanwhile, northern, northeastern, and some mountainous areas may experience afternoon showers or thunderstorms. The forecasted temperatures for different regions are 21 to 33 degrees in the north, 21 to 37 degrees in the center, 22 to 38 degrees in the south, and 20 to 37 degrees in the east.

Wu cautioned that the front's structure is not solid, but the occasional strong southwestern winds and influx of warm, moist air will create an extremely unstable atmospheric environment. This could lead to the development of small-scale convective systems, which often bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. Residents should be prepared for potential disasters until the front passes or its energy is exhausted.

Wu explained that the lingering front will move north on Monday, April 29, and then move south again on Tuesday, April 30, and Wednesday, May 1. The forecast model is still being adjusted, but the pattern of the front lingering near Taiwan is expected to continue.