TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for scorching temperatures followed by potential tropical disruption, meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) warned on Tuesday (July 15). The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, has issued high-temperature alerts for the capital Taipei and neighboring New Taipei City, with thermometers expected to climb above 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F) as southwest winds descend over the island.
Wu cautioned that weather patterns from Saturday through next Tuesday will hinge on the evolution and trajectory of an approaching tropical system. Despite discrepancies between European and American forecasting models, the meteorologist stressed that Taiwan should remain vigilant about potential impacts. The eastern regions will likely experience intermittent rainfall beginning Friday afternoon, with prospects of heavy precipitation throughout the weekend and into early next week as a "monsoon depression" and its embedded tropical system influence the area.
The monsoon depression is expected to drift northward beginning Friday, carrying substantial moisture across the region, according to Wu. European forecasting models indicate the tropical system could traverse the Bashi Channel, the strait separating Taiwan from the Philippines, prompting officials to closely track its potential effects. Wu added that computer simulations suggest yet another tropical system might form within the monsoon depression from Monday through Thursday of next week, potentially lingering near Taiwan's vicinity as international weather models continue refining their predictions.
Weather authorities urge residents across Taiwan to remain vigilant and monitor official announcements as conditions evolve throughout the coming week. Preparations for both extreme heat and possible flooding are recommended as the island faces this dual threat of scorching temperatures followed by tropical moisture. The situation remains fluid as forecasting models continue to update, officials noted. ◼
