TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is bracing for intense heat and potential thunderstorms as the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) forecasts temperatures ranging from 31 to 36 degrees Celsius (87.8 to 96.8°F) on Thursday (May 22). Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) has warned of two upcoming Mei-yu season fronts that could bring "severe weather," urging residents to stay vigilant.
The CWA pointed out that south to southwest winds will dominate Taiwan's weather patterns, bringing scattered showers to eastern Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula in the far south. Meanwhile, the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, central Nantou County, and regions south of Chiayi may experience localized thunderstorms as the day progresses, according to officials.
Wu highlighted that temperatures could soar above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6°F) as a stationary front lingers over the East China Sea and Central China. The meteorologist noted that the third plum rain front of the season will arrive Saturday afternoon, bringing scattered rain or thunderstorms to northern and central Taiwan with slightly cooler temperatures. Though the front's impact will diminish by Sunday and Monday, isolated showers remain possible with temperatures expected to drop moderately.
Wu further explained that weather conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday as the front moves southward toward the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. However, Thursday will bring the season's fourth plum rain front accompanied by stronger southwest winds, resulting in significant rainfall across the island. By next Friday and Saturday, the front will shift southward, improving conditions in northern regions, though southern Taiwan may still experience isolated showers. ◼
