TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will swelter under mostly clear skies with temperatures potentially soaring past 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F) in several regions on Friday (June 20), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency. Residents of eastern Taitung County and the southern Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, should prepare for scattered showers throughout the day. Forecasters warn that mountainous areas in western Taiwan may experience more substantial rainfall as localized thunderstorms develop in Nantou County, areas south of Chiayi City, and across the densely populated Greater Taipei metropolitan region.
The persistent south-to-southeast wind pattern will blanket the island in humid, sticky air as temperatures climb between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius (89.6°F and 95°F) across most regions. Weather officials have identified several hotspots — Greater Taipei, central and southern Taiwan, and the eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung—where mercury readings could potentially surge beyond 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Health authorities have issued warnings about particularly intense ultraviolet radiation expected during midday hours. The CWA strongly recommends residents apply adequate sun protection and consume sufficient fluids to prevent heat-related illnesses during the scorching conditions.
Nighttime will bring only modest relief as temperatures dip to between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius (77°F and 80.6°F) across the main island. Taiwan's outlying archipelagos will experience varied conditions: Penghu, a cluster of islands in the Taiwan Strait popular with windsurfers, will enjoy partly cloudy to sunny skies with temperatures ranging from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80.6°F to 89.6°F). Kinmen, located just kilometers from mainland China's Fujian province, faces cloudier conditions with possible brief showers or thunderstorms and temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius (78.8°F to 89.6°F). The northernmost Matsu Islands will see partly cloudy to sunny weather with temperatures from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius (78.8°F to 87.8°F). Weather officials emphasize that all residents should remain alert for afternoon thunderstorms while taking appropriate measures against heat stress and harmful UV radiation. ◼
