TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan basked in a mix of clouds and sunshine on Monday (May 5), with temperatures soaring between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius (84.2 and 91.4°F). Weather experts warned of potential afternoon and evening thunderstorms across northern regions, while residents in southeastern Taiwan were advised to brace for hot, dry foehn winds descending from mountain slopes.
Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) cautioned about the approaching plum rain season, a significant spring weather pattern in East Asia, with two weather fronts expected this week. The first front will move through Taiwan within the next two days. Lin explained via social media that these systems, created when cold and warm fronts collide over the island, typically generate substantial rainfall. He urged residents to remain alert for severe rainstorms.
Due to foehn winds, southern and southeastern regions could see temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Taiwan's outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu will experience varied conditions with temperatures ranging from 18 to 29 degrees Celsius (64.4 to 84.2°F). Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County and City, and Keelung's northern coast face strong winds with gusts potentially reaching level 8 or higher on the Beaufort scale.
Air quality varies across Taiwan, with eastern Hualien and Taitung regions enjoying "good" conditions according to official measurements. Meanwhile, northern and central regions face "moderate" air quality due to prevailing south-to-southwest winds carrying pollutants. Environmental officials advise residents to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for potential disruptions as conditions may change rapidly throughout the week. ★