Taiwan braces for heat followed by thunderstorms and heavy rain

Taiwan is bracing for a shift in weather patterns, moving from intense heat to the possibility of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Meteorologist Wu Der-rong has indicated that a "tropical cloud cluster" is active near the island, suggesting a period of unstable atmospheric conditions.

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Recently, before the rain, the weather has been hot, so pay attention to sun protection and preventing heatstroke.

Currently, the weather is characterized by high temperatures, prompting warnings for sun protection and heatstroke prevention. However, the forecast predicts localized showers and thunderstorms, particularly in southern Taiwan, Penghu, and Kinmen. The instability is attributed to the southwest monsoon and abundant moisture from the southern seas, which are expected to persist until next Tuesday. Residents are advised to be cautious of lightning strikes, strong gusts of wind, and sudden downpours, especially in mountainous areas where convective activity often develops and spreads to lower elevations.

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The latest (15th 20:00) ECMWF model simulation shows that in the next few days, there will be tropical cloud clusters forming and dissipating in the South China Sea and east of the Philippines, but the development conditions are not favorable; however, the tropical disturbance in the South China Sea maintains the southwest wind and moisture near Taiwan, increasing atmospheric instability and bringing continuous heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a gradual stabilization of weather conditions from Wednesday to Saturday. As the southwest monsoon weakens and moisture levels decrease, the Pacific high-pressure system is expected to strengthen, leading to clearer skies and hotter daytime temperatures, reminiscent of mid-summer. Despite the anticipated return to sunny conditions, the possibility of localized afternoon showers in mountainous regions remains.

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From today until next Tuesday (21st), the low-level atmosphere will have southwest winds and abundant moisture from the southern sea, with occasional localized short-term rainfall in the south; due to the weak Pacific high pressure, the atmosphere is unstable, and strong convection often develops in the mountains in the afternoon, expanding to some plains. Be aware of lightning strikes, strong winds, and sudden heavy downpours.

This dynamic weather situation underscores the unpredictable nature of tropical climates. The interplay between heat, moisture, and atmospheric disturbances highlights the importance of staying informed about weather updates and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety during periods of extreme weather.

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From next Wednesday to Saturday (21st to 25th), the low-level southwest wind will weaken and moisture from the south will decrease, and the Pacific high pressure will slightly strengthen, leading to gradually stable weather, clear skies everywhere, and daytime heat like mid-summer. Again, pay attention to sun protection and preventing heatstroke; there is still a chance of localized short-term rainfall in the mountains in the afternoon.