TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces an intense heatwave as temperatures soared to a record 38.8 degrees Celsius at the Kaohsiung Lighthouse (高雄燈塔) on Thursday (July 4), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). Taoyuan City's Luzhu District and Tainan City's Jiali District also recorded high temperatures of 35.2 degrees Celsius.
The CWA issued orange heat alerts for several areas, including Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County. This alert indicates a high likelihood of continuous temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius.
Forecasters predict sunny to partly cloudy skies and hot conditions across Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu for Thursday and Friday. The CWA also noted a chance of localized temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in the Greater Taipei area on Friday, with sporadic short showers in the southeast and the Hengchun Peninsula.
In the afternoon, regions south of Chiayi and mountainous areas across Taiwan may experience isolated thunderstorms. Heavy rain is possible in southern regions and mountainous areas north of central Taiwan. Additionally, scattered short showers are expected in central and southern Taiwan from early morning to midday on Friday.
Authorities advise monitoring weather updates for any changes in conditions.
