TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Extreme temperatures reaching 38°C (100.4°F), foehn winds, and afternoon thunderstorms are sweeping across Taiwan this week as a southwest monsoon pattern settles over the island. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) issued orange heat alerts for six counties and cities on Wednesday (July 15), warning that the hazardous conditions would persist until July 22.
The CWA placed Changhua County, Hualien County, and Taitung County under orange alerts for the probability of 38°C extreme high temperatures. Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Tainan City received orange alerts for the likelihood of consecutive days reaching 36°C (96.8°F). Eight additional counties and cities, including Taipei, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung, were placed under yellow warnings.
The CWA warned that southeastern regions face continued probability of foehn conditions through Thursday. Foehn winds occur when moist air rises over mountains, loses moisture as precipitation, then descends on the leeward side as hot, dry wind. The agency advised farmers to install windbreak facilities or use water spraying to prevent crop damage.
Greater Taipei and western mountain areas face the probability of localized heavy rain during afternoon thunderstorms. Southern Taiwan will experience intermittent showers due to the monsoon's influence, while central Taiwan may see scattered rain from early morning through midday. The pattern is expected to continue through Monday.
The weather agency urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially during midday hours. The CWA called for attention to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers. It advised them to stay hydrated and seek shade.
Adding to the hazards, annual king tide conditions through Thursday are causing elevated water levels along Taiwan's coasts. The southwestern coast from Chiayi to Pingtung and the eastern coast from Keelung to Taitung are affected. The CWA warned of potential seawater backflow and drainage difficulties in low-lying areas during high tide periods.
It was not immediately clear whether local governments had activated cooling centers in response to the warnings. Details on agricultural damage from the foehn conditions were not immediately available.
Meteorologist Wu Sheng-yu (吳聖宇) of WeatherRisk (天氣風險) said the southwest monsoon pattern would continue for approximately one week. He said the Pacific high pressure system is expected to strengthen after July 22, bringing more stable weather with thunderstorms confined mainly to mountain areas.
Wu said atmospheric conditions remain unfavorable for typhoon development this week due to a weakened Pacific high pressure system. Conditions may become more conducive to tropical storm formation in late July, particularly in waters east of the Philippines near Guam.
Residents in affected areas should monitor CWA updates as conditions develop. The agency issues regular forecasts and advisories on its website and mobile application. ◼
