TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will experience mostly cloudy to clear skies on Monday (May 19), with afternoon thunderstorms likely in greater Taipei, northeastern and eastern regions, the Central Weather Administration (CWA中央氣象署) reported. Weather expert Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) warned temperatures could soar above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6°F) from Tuesday through Friday, signaling an intense heat wave.
Sporadic showers will dampen Taiwan's western coast from morning until noon, the CWA indicated, with intermittent rainfall also expected in Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula. Island-wide temperatures will range from 31 to 34 degrees Celsius (87.8°F to 93.2°F), while regions near central and southern mountain ranges could see temperatures climbing to 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F) or higher.
Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) explained that southerly winds and a persistent weather front will influence Taiwan's climate until late May. "These conditions will produce noticeably higher daytime temperatures during non-rainy periods," Lin said, suggesting residents should prepare for fluctuating but predominantly hot weather patterns in the coming weeks.
Wu's column cited the latest European weather model simulations showing clear morning skies transitioning to increased afternoon cloud cover, potentially triggering localized showers or thunderstorms in mountainous and eastern regions. The approaching weather front on Saturday will increase northern cloud coverage, slightly lowering temperatures and bringing afternoon showers to the region. ◼
