Taiwan braces for heavy rain, high temperatures in Taipei and Taoyuan

Taiwan is set for a weekend of mixed weather, with southern and central regions anticipating localized showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, while the northern areas of Taipei and Taoyuan are forecast to experience intense heat, potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius. The strong ultraviolet radiation levels also necessitate precautions against sun exposure.

The Central Weather Administration predicts that a low-pressure trough will dominate the weather, creating a southwest to south wind flow. This will lead to scattered showers and thunderstorms in the south, with other areas experiencing partly cloudy skies and localized afternoon thunderstorms. The moisture content remains high, contributing to an unstable atmospheric environment. There is a chance of heavy rainfall in southern Taiwan and in the afternoon for central and northern areas. Residents in mountainous regions are advised to be wary of landslides, falling rocks, and rising river levels, while low-lying areas should prepare for potential flooding.

Temperatures are expected to range from 31-32 degrees Celsius in the south and southeast, with other regions reaching 33-35 degrees Celsius. The possibility of localized highs exceeding 36 degrees Celsius exists in Taipei and Taoyuan. The weather will remain hot with strong UV rays, reaching "excessive" levels, urging the public to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain unstable into the following week. WeatherRisk, a forecasting company, notes that Sunday will see more thunderstorms developing from convective activity over land, with a chance of localized heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon across the island. From Monday onwards, the low-pressure trough is expected to persist over the northern South China Sea, near Taiwan, and south of Japan. New disturbances may develop within this trough, potentially influencing Taiwan's weather. While the intensity of these disturbances is uncertain, their presence near Taiwan will create conditions conducive to rainfall, possibly heavy at times.