Taiwan issues heavy rain warnings as temperatures soar

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency issued heavy rain warnings Monday (June 2) for three southern cities as temperatures soared to their highest levels since the Dragon Boat Festival. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) cautioned residents in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung to prepare for widespread rainfall and potentially dangerous downpours.

Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) warned that Monday would bring the most scorching heat since the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節), Taiwan's traditional holiday. Temperatures could climb above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6°F) across the Greater Taipei Basin, Hualien-Taitung Valley, and Taitung regions. Weather officials explained that southwest winds would trigger brief showers and thunderstorms south of Miaoli (苗栗) county. Central mountain areas face the highest risk of localized heavy rainfall as atmospheric conditions intensify.

Northern areas beyond Hsinchu and Taiwan's eastern regions will enjoy partly cloudy to sunny skies. These areas will escape the worst of the stormy weather pattern. Temperatures will range from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 95°F) across most regions. Taitung faces particular danger from foehn winds caused by descending southwest air currents, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay hydrated.

Overnight lows will remain warm, hovering between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82.4°F). Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) predicted in his weather column that Tuesday (June 3) morning would continue the warm pattern. Central and southern Taiwan should expect localized brief showers and thunderstorms throughout the morning hours.

The afternoon will bring Taiwan's fifth plum rain front of the season, intensifying precipitation through Wednesday (June 4). This weather system marks a significant shift in the island's seasonal rainfall patterns. Thursday (June 5) will see the front move southward, triggering scattered showers and thunderstorms. Afternoon hours will bring the most intense rainfall as the system gains strength.

Wu noted that the weather front will weaken as it moves over the Bashi Channel (巴士海峽), the waterway between Taiwan and the Philippines, Friday and Saturday (June 6-7). This will bring improved conditions and gradually rising temperatures across Taiwan. Taiwan will transition into full summer conditions from June 8 to 11 under a dominant warm air mass. Residents can expect mostly sunny skies with typical afternoon showers and thunderstorms characteristic of Taiwan's summer weather patterns. ◼