Taiwan Heatwave: Taipei Temperatures Break 130-Year Record Amidst Health Warnings

Taipei sweltered under a heatwave on May 27, with the city's temperature soaring above 38 degrees Celsius. The mercury hit a record high for May at the Taipei weather station, which has been recording data for 130 years. Several areas in Taipei and New Taipei City registered temperatures above 38 degrees, with the Taipei Basin and surrounding areas appearing in purple on temperature maps, indicating extreme heat.

Central Weather Administration data showed the highest temperature nationwide was 39.8 degrees Celsius in Tainan's Yujing. Other locations like Quchi in New Taipei City reached 39.6 degrees, and Beiliao in Taipei recorded 39.1 degrees.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Shao Yu-hao shared three early warning signs of heatstroke on his Facebook page: fatigue and thirst, rapid heartbeat with dizziness or nausea, and hot skin with minimal sweating. He advised immediate relocation to a cool environment and rehydration with electrolyte-rich beverages.

Shao also described lingering symptoms that may follow heatstroke, including persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, body aches, and difficulty concentrating. He recommended avoiding further sun exposure, eating light meals, and staying hydrated. For persistent issues, he suggested traditional Chinese medicine to replenish energy and fluids.