TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) warned Tuesday (July 14) of daily afternoon thunderstorms through July 20. Localized heavy rain and potential short-duration torrential downpours are expected in central and northern Taiwan, particularly in mountainous areas north of Taichung and in Nantou County.
"Please pay special attention to afternoon thunderstorms, which may be accompanied by short-duration heavy rain, especially in mountainous areas and central to northern regions," Liu Yu-chi (劉宇其), a forecaster at the CWA's Weather Forecast Center (氣象預報中心), said at a morning briefing.
The agency issued the advisory as southern moisture continues to move northward, creating unstable atmospheric conditions across the island. The pattern is expected to persist through Monday, with southwestern winds dominating Wednesday through Saturday and southerly winds Sunday and Monday.
On Tuesday, southern and southeastern Taiwan will experience intermittent showers throughout the day, while other regions can expect scattered rain in the morning followed by afternoon thunderstorms.
Despite the rain, temperatures will remain hot and humid, with highs of 33°C to 35°C (91.4°F to 95°F) expected across western Taiwan and localized 36°C (96.8°F) possible in central and southern inland areas and the Hualien Rift Valley.
The agency issued an orange-level heat alert for Changhua and Hualien counties. Yellow-level alerts were issued for Yunlin, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung.
Liu warned that foehn winds — hot, dry downslope winds — could push temperatures in Taitung to 36°C (96.8°F) on Wednesday and Thursday. "Agricultural protection measures should be prepared," he added.
The agency also warned of coastal hazards through Thursday (July 17), as annual high tides coincide with strong southerly winds. Low-lying coastal areas from Chiayi to Pingtung and eastern areas from Keelung to Taitung face risks of seawater intrusion and localized flooding. Long waves are expected along the Hengchun Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Haishen (海神), which formed Monday as the season's first named storm, was downgraded to Tropical Depression TD11 as of 8 a.m. Tuesday. Located approximately 1,770 kilometers (1,100 miles) east-southeast of Taiwan's southern tip, the weakening system is moving northeast and poses no threat to the island.
Private forecaster WeatherRisk (天氣風險) attributed the unstable weather pattern to a weak Pacific High, which has allowed moisture from a low-pressure system over the Guangdong coast to move northward. ◼
