TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces a dramatic weather shift Friday (Oct. 17) as scorching temperatures give way to cooler conditions and rainfall across the island. Wu Der-rong (吳德榮), an adjunct associate meteorology professor at National Central University (中央大學), announced the first wave of cold air from a northeast monsoon will arrive Saturday (Oct. 18). The weather system will bring rain and cooler temperatures to Greater Taipei and eastern regions.
The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service, reported extreme high temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) expected in New Taipei City and Taoyuan City on Friday (Oct. 17). Tainan City faces similar heat risks. Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Pingtung Counties remain under yellow alerts for temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F).
Wu shared in a column that European model (ECMWF) simulations indicate sunny and hot weather across Taiwan on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 17-18). Northern Taiwan could reach highs of 37 to 38 degrees Celsius (98.6°F to 100.4°F). From Sunday (Oct. 19) to Wednesday (Oct. 22), Wu predicted increased rainfall likelihood across Taiwan, particularly in northern regions where temperatures will drop significantly.
Wu mentioned that a tropical system would pass through Luzon Island and enter the South China Sea at 8 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 19). Taiwan is already experiencing the "autumn typhoon effect" (秋颱效應), which will likely bring heavy rainfall to northern and eastern areas, particularly in the northern mountains and northeastern regions. Wu emphasized the northeast monsoon will continue influencing northern and eastern Taiwan on Thursday (Oct. 23), bringing noticeable rainfall and maintaining cooler temperatures. ◼
