Northern Taiwan Feels 42°C Heat; Thunderstorms Expected Afternoon in North and Central Regions; Hot Weather to Persist for a Week

Taiwan is bracing for a week of intense heat, with temperatures expected to soar, particularly in the northern parts of the island. The Central Weather Administration reported that on July 1, many areas will experience sunny skies and high temperatures, with southerly to southeasterly winds prevailing. The Hengchun Peninsula and southeastern regions may see scattered brief showers.

In the afternoon, localized thunderstorms are predicted for northern and central Taiwan, with a higher chance of significant rainfall in the mountainous areas north of Taipei. Temperatures in western Taiwan are expected to range from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius, while eastern areas will see temperatures between 32 and 33 degrees. The Greater Taipei Basin, areas near mountains in central and southern Taiwan, the Yilan region, and the East Rift Valley could experience even higher temperatures, potentially reaching around 36 degrees Celsius. Ultraviolet radiation is also expected to be strong around midday, reaching "excessive" or "dangerous" levels.

The weather outlook for the upcoming week, from July 2 to July 7, suggests mostly cloudy to sunny conditions across the island, with only scattered brief showers expected in southeastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula. Localized thunderstorms are forecast for mountainous areas nationwide in the afternoons from July 2 to July 4. From July 5 to July 7, the afternoons may bring localized thunderstorms to mountainous areas in northern and central Taiwan.

Air quality is expected to be "good" in the Hsinchu-Miaoli, Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan, Yilan, Hualien-Taitung, Matsu, Kinmen, and Penghu regions. The northern, central, and Kaohsiung-Pingtung regions will have "normal" air quality.