TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braced for a sweltering Monday (June 23) as the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, reported scattered showers across central and southern regions from early morning through midday. Forecasters warned that localized thunderstorms would likely develop in Greater Taipei, northeastern coastal areas, and mountainous terrain by late afternoon. Weather officials are monitoring a tropical depression near Iwo Jima (硫磺島), which could strengthen into a mild typhoon but currently poses no direct threat to the island.
The weather agency predicted predominantly cloudy to sunny conditions across Taiwan's main island and its outlying territories of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, with prevailing winds from the south to southwest creating muggy conditions. Temperatures will remain oppressively high throughout the day, ranging from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 96.8°F), with several regions facing particularly intense heat. Greater Taipei, the agricultural heartlands of Changhua and Yunlin, southern industrial zones in Kaohsiung, rural Pingtung, and the eastern coastal city of Hualien all face significant chances of exceeding 36°C (96.8°F).
Health officials from the administration issued urgent advisories for residents to take substantial precautions against the intense ultraviolet radiation expected to peak around midday, recommending wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and limited outdoor exposure. Even overnight conditions will provide little relief, with low temperatures hovering between a sultry 25 and 27°C (77 to 80.6°F). The outlying island chains will experience varying but similarly warm conditions, with Penghu recording 27 to 32°C (80.6 to 89.6°F), Kinmen facing 27 to 33°C (80.6 to 91.4°F), and Matsu expecting 27 to 31°C (80.6 to 87.8°F).
With the unrelenting heat wave showing no signs of abating, CWA meteorologists urge the public to remain vigilant about sun protection and proper hydration throughout the week. Public health officials have established cooling stations in urban centers, while agricultural authorities monitor potential impacts on rice and fruit production in central growing regions. As Taiwan navigates what could become one of its warmest early summer periods on record, staying informed through official weather channels and prepared with appropriate heat mitigation strategies remains crucial for all residents. ◼
