Taiwan braces for high temperatures, possible afternoon thunderstorms

Taiwan is bracing for continued high temperatures as the Central Weather Administration forecasts highs between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius across the island, with some areas potentially reaching 36 degrees. Residents are advised to stay hydrated due to the muggy conditions. Scattered showers are expected in the central and southern parts of the island in the morning, with a chance of localized afternoon thunderstorms in the southern regions and mountainous areas.

The weather agency also noted that Typhoon Haikui, currently over 4,000 kilometers away, is moving northwest towards the waters south of Japan and is expected to strengthen. However, its distant location means it poses no immediate threat to Taiwan's weather in the short term.

Air quality is projected to be mostly "good" in areas like Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and the outlying islands. Northern, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung regions will be "moderate," with potential for "orange" alerts in some parts of the north due to ozone.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates scattered showers in southern Taiwan on Saturday, with sunny to cloudy conditions elsewhere and possible afternoon thunderstorms in mountainous areas. From Sunday to Tuesday, a stable high-pressure system is expected to bring clear and sunny weather, with only isolated afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains. The weather will shift again mid-week as the typhoon approaches, bringing increased moisture and a chance of rain in northern mountainous areas.