Matsu Nangan weather station records historic high of 37°C due to typhoon

The Matsu Nangan weather station recorded a historic high temperature of 37 degrees Celsius at 12:30 p.m. on August 8, 2026. This reading surpassed the previous record of 36.6 degrees Celsius set on September 26, 2017. The extreme heat in Matsu is primarily attributed to the downdraft effect from the outer circulation of Typhoon Bailu, which was approaching Taiwan's northern waters.

Wu Wan-hua, deputy director of the Central Weather Administration's Weather Forecast Center, explained that the downdraft phenomenon occurs when air currents are forced downward by terrain or typhoon peripheries. This adiabatic compression causes rapid warming, leading to extreme temperatures and Foehn winds on leeward slopes or in clear areas. This effect also suppresses vertical convection, stabilizing the atmosphere and potentially trapping air pollutants near the ground.

Similar high temperatures were experienced in other parts of Taiwan. Eastern Taiwan, including Yilan Dong'ao, which registered 38.8 degrees Celsius, experienced heat due to downslope wind effects, a phenomenon related to air descending after crossing mountains. These combined atmospheric conditions resulted in widespread high temperatures across most regions.

The Central Weather Administration issued a sea typhoon warning for Typhoon Bailu, indicating its center was located northeast of Taipei and moving northwest-west. Its storm radius was gradually entering Taiwan's northern waters, posing a threat to maritime traffic and operations in the northern and northeastern sea areas. Vessels in these regions were advised to exercise caution.

Wu confirmed that the 37-degree reading at the Nangan weather station, which is a formal station rather than an automated one, will be officially recorded as a new high. The previous record in 2017 was also linked to high pressure dominating the region.