Taiwan swelters through record hot, dry May with low rainfall

Taiwan experienced an exceptionally hot and dry May, with meteorological data revealing record-breaking temperatures and a severe deficit in rainfall across the island. The Central Weather Administration reported that the average temperature for May was 26.5°C, a notable increase from the climate norm of 25.9°C.

Taipei and Keelung registered their highest-ever single-day temperatures for May, hitting 38.3°C and 37.6°C, respectively. Several other major cities, including Taichung, Taipei, and Hsinchu, recorded average May temperatures among their top ten highest for the month since records began.

Rainfall was drastically below average, with the island receiving only 91.5 millimeters of rain, less than half the climate value of 186.3 millimeters. This marks the eighth lowest cumulative rainfall for May since 1951. Specific areas like Hengchun recorded only 1.2% of their average rainfall, making it the driest May on record for that station. The number of rainy days also saw a significant reduction, averaging 7.6 days compared to the usual 13.8 days.