TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for sweltering conditions as veteran meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) warns of an intense heatwave sweeping across the island Friday (May 16), pushing temperatures to a scorching 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). The oppressive warm air mass will linger over the region through next Saturday, prompting health advisories for residents to guard against sun exposure and heat-related illnesses. Wu strongly recommends maintaining adequate hydration and limiting extended outdoor activities during the hottest portions of the day.
The weather expert identified rising humidity levels for Friday and Saturday that may trigger more widespread afternoon precipitation particularly along Taiwan's eastern coastline and elevated interior landscapes. Wu additionally cautioned about a potential weather system approaching the island, noting that a stationary front could move toward Taiwan by next Sunday, potentially destabilizing current weather patterns. Despite these developments, he expects the characteristic short-duration, scattered afternoon rainfall to continue without significant alteration.
According to Wu's analysis of competing weather prediction systems, European forecasting models project the front will hover above the East China Sea (東海), the body of water separating Taiwan from Japan, through next Saturday. This positioning would leave the island nation under the influence of the southern warm air mass. Alternative American forecasting models place the weather boundary further west over South China (華南), the mainland region opposite Taiwan's western coast. Wu assessed that neither predicted scenario poses substantial threat to Taiwan, adding that chances remain minimal for the season's third rainy front to affect the island within the coming 10-day period.
Health officials urge the public to implement heat safety measures while remaining attentive to meteorological developments as conditions may shift unexpectedly. The current combination of elevated temperatures and localized precipitation underscores the necessity for heightened awareness during Taiwan's transitional pre-summer weather period, when thermal patterns can rapidly intensify and rainfall distribution becomes increasingly erratic across the island's diverse topography. ◼