TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for dangerous weather Thursday (Aug. 21) as meteorologists warn of atmospheric instability threatening mountainous regions and lowland areas with scattered thunderstorms. Wu Der-romg (吳德榮), a prominent weather expert writing for National Central University, cautioned that heavy rainfall and severe conditions could pummel these vulnerable zones. The forecast signals a dramatic shift from recent stable weather patterns across the island.
The Pacific high-pressure system strengthened dramatically, stripping moisture from the atmosphere and delivering clear morning skies across Taiwan. Afternoon hours threaten isolated thunderstorms, particularly targeting western and eastern mountain ranges with potentially dangerous conditions. Wu forecasts scorching temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) from Friday (Aug. 22) through Sunday (Aug. 24), while mountain regions face scattered storms and Taitung and Pingtung counties brace for brief downpours.
Taiwan faces relentless heat Monday (Aug. 25) through Wednesday (Aug. 27) as southern moisture streams northward, creating volatile atmospheric conditions. The oppressive temperatures will dominate most regions while Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung counties endure sporadic rainfall episodes. Mountain areas remain particularly vulnerable to afternoon thunderstorm outbreaks during this sweltering period.
Tropical Depression TD15 churns toward Japan with strengthening potential but poses zero direct threat to Taiwan's coastline. A separate tropical disturbance east of the Philippines advances west-northwest yet faces destructive vertical wind shear preventing typhoon development. Both weather systems remain safely distant from Taiwan, offering relief amid the domestic atmospheric turmoil. ◼
