TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for a wet spell as the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, issued warnings Tuesday (May 6) about an approaching weather front bringing heightened rainfall across the island. Residents in northern and northeastern regions should prepare for scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with conditions worsening by evening as rising moisture levels trigger localized heavy downpours from central to northern and northeastern areas.
Temperatures across the main island will climb to between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82.4 to 89.6°F), while overnight lows will hover around 24 or 25 degrees Celsius (75.2 to 77°F), reflecting the unstable atmospheric conditions. Weather officials strongly recommend carrying umbrellas or raincoats. The outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu won't escape the unsettled pattern, with brief showers or thunderstorms expected and temperatures ranging from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius (69.8 to 84.2°F).
The Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (環境部空氣品質), the government's environmental monitoring agency, predicts that southwestern winds generated by the approaching front will trap pollutants in northern regions. While eastern counties of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung will maintain "good" air quality ratings, residents in northern areas including Hsinchu, Miaoli, and surrounding regions should expect "moderate" pollution levels throughout the day.
Maritime warnings have been issued for coastal regions, with meteorologists forecasting powerful winds affecting Hsinchu and areas northward, the southern Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), and the offshore islands of Green Island (綠島) and Orchid Island (蘭嶼). These locations could experience sustained winds reaching level 6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts potentially exceeding level 8. Officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items, prepare for possible transportation disruptions, and stay updated on weather advisories. ★