TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Weather experts warned Monday (May 26) that Taiwan faces significant rainfall this week as multiple weather fronts approach the island. Lin De-en (林得恩), a prominent meteorologist, highlighted that a front passing through on Thursday will trigger widespread precipitation with potential for heavy downpours in many regions. The Central Weather Administration confirmed that the northeast monsoon is already producing showers across northern Taiwan and intermittent rainfall in central and southern mountain areas.
In a detailed Facebook post, Lin cited European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) models showing the weather front arriving Wednesday afternoon, moving through Taiwan on Thursday, and reaching the Bashi Channel (巴士海峽), the strait between Taiwan and the Philippines), by Friday. His analysis of heavy rainfall indicators reveals concerning numbers — 14 criteria met Thursday morning and 12 that evening — pointing to substantial precipitation across the island, with mountainous regions in central and southern Taiwan facing the highest risk.
Another respected meteorologist, Wu Der-romg (吳德榮), wrote in his regular weather column that by Tuesday, the initial front will have moved southward toward the Bashi Channel, bringing temporary improvement in conditions and higher temperatures across Taiwan. Wu noted that mountain regions might still experience brief afternoon showers despite the general improvement. He warned that respite would be short-lived, as a second weather front approaches Wednesday, bringing increased cloud cover and scattered showers by evening.
Thursday marks the arrival of the season's fourth mobile front during Taiwan's annual plum rain season, which meteorologists warn could trigger severe weather as it draws moisture northward from the South China Sea. By Friday, when the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節, a major traditional holiday in Taiwan) begins, the front should reach the Bashi Channel, leaving only brief morning showers in southern regions. The holiday weekend looks promising, with forecasters predicting mostly sunny and hot conditions on both Saturday and Sunday, though hikers should prepare for possible afternoon showers in mountainous areas. ◼
