TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather authorities reported scattered showers across the island's northern and northeastern regions Thursday (May 8) morning, as moisture from a lingering weather front gradually dissipates. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, noted a significant shift to southeasterly winds, driving temperatures upward to between 29 and 34 degrees Celsius (84.2 and 93.2°F) throughout these areas.
Meteorologists predict persistent scattered showers will continue along Keelung's north coast through the morning hours, with isolated thunderstorms developing in mountainous regions by afternoon. Southern Taiwan faces potentially dangerous heat conditions, with temperatures possibly exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Health officials have issued advisories for residents in the southern metropolitan areas of Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County to maintain adequate hydration, particularly during midday outdoor activities.
Across Taiwan's outlying islands, overnight lows will range between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius (68 and 75.2°F), according to the weather service's extended forecast. Residents of Matsu, the northernmost Taiwanese territory situated just off China's Fujian province, should prepare for brief showers. Meanwhile, the islands of Penghu and Kinmen will see predominantly cloudy conditions, with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 29°C (75.2 to 84.2°F) in Penghu, 20 to 28°C (68 to 82.4°F) in Kinmen, and 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) in Matsu.
Maritime authorities have issued wind advisories for several coastal areas, warning of powerful gusts potentially reaching level 8 on the Beaufort scale along Keelung's north coast, the southernmost Hengchun Peninsula, and the offshore islands of Green Island (綠島) and Orchid Island (蘭嶼). Environmental officials from the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network cautioned residents in western Taiwan about deteriorating air quality conditions, as high-pressure return flow creates poor pollution dispersion, with afternoon ozone concentrations expected to increase. Eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung maintain "good" air quality ratings, while Matsu, Kinmen, Penghu and other regions currently register "moderate" conditions. ★