TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei residents should brace for increasingly heavy downpours as a significant weather system moves toward the capital, meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) cautioned on Wednesday (May 28). Wu, a contributor to National Central University's (NCU, 中央大學) "Weather Classroom" column, cited European forecasting models showing dense cloud formations spreading southward across the region, with precipitation intensifying substantially by nightfall.
The fourth wave of Taiwan's seasonal "plum rain" (梅雨) — the East Asian monsoon period characterized by persistent rainfall — will drift southward on Thursday (May 29), unleashing widespread precipitation and potentially hazardous conditions including violent thunderstorms and powerful gusts, according to Wu. While emphasizing that these conditions don't technically qualify as the official commencement of plum rain season, he urged the public to remain vigilant against lightning strikes and damaging winds.
The weather front is expected to reach the Bashi Channel (巴士海峽), the strait between Taiwan and the Philippines, by Friday (May 30), coinciding with the beginning of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節) holiday — a major traditional celebration in Taiwan. Southern regions may experience intermittent showers from dawn until midday. Conditions will improve markedly by Saturday (May 31), with sunshine and pleasant temperatures prevailing nationwide. Wu forecasts predominantly clear skies and warm weather on Sunday (June 1), though isolated afternoon thunderstorms remain possible.
Early June will usher in distinctly summer-like conditions across Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday (June 2-3), as a warm air mass settles over the island, though afternoon precipitation will become increasingly common. The meteorologist warns that Wednesday (June 4) will mark the arrival of the fifth wave of the seasonal monsoon, delivering substantial rainfall throughout the region. By Thursday and Friday (June 5-6), the weather pattern should stabilize considerably, though localized afternoon thunderstorms may persist in some areas. ◼
