TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Unstable weather patterns swept across Taiwan on Thursday (May 29) as a weather front moved through the island, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency. The system triggered widespread thunderstorms with intense downpours, lightning strikes, and powerful wind gusts. Officials issued warnings for potential flash flooding in western regions, urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.
The CWA strongly advised against mountain excursions, warning of heightened risks from landslides, rockfalls, and rapidly swelling streams. Forecasters predicted the weather front would shift southward to the Bashi Channel — the strait between Taiwan and the Philippines — by evening, bringing relief to northern and northeastern regions. The combination of the northeast monsoon and persistent rainfall has driven temperatures down across the island, with highs of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius (71.6 to 75.2°F) in northern areas and Yilan, 24 to 27 degrees Celsius (75.2 to 80.6°F) in central Taiwan and Hualien, and 30 to 31 degrees Celsius (86 to 87.8°F) in southern regions and Taitung.
Taiwan's offshore islands were not spared from the turbulent weather, with showers and thunderstorms reported across Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Temperature ranges varied from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius (73.4 to 80.6°F) in Penghu, 20 to 23 degrees Celsius (68 to 73.4°F) in Kinmen, and 18 to 23 degrees Celsius (64.4 to 73.4°F) in Matsu. Meteorologists warned of dangerous marine conditions with sustained winds exceeding level 6 and gusts surpassing level 8 along the western coast from Taoyuan to Yunlin, as well as around Penghu, Matsu, Orchid Island (蘭嶼), and Green Island (綠島). Maritime authorities have issued strong advisories against fishing, swimming, and other coastal activities until conditions improve. ◼
