TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A heat wave is set to blanket Taiwan on Tuesday (May 28) as temperatures surge across the island, with western and southeastern regions bracing for highs between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius (84.2 and 91.4°F), the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) announced. Residents in eastern Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and eastern Greater Taipei should prepare for scattered showers throughout the day.
Meteorologists reported that early morning temperatures remained relatively cool, with readings between 19 and 21°C (66.2 and 69.8°F) across northern and central regions, including Yilan and Hualien, while southern areas and Taitung hovered around 23°C (73.4°F). The CWA explained that as the northeastern monsoon system weakens, temperatures will rise significantly throughout the day, with strong winds expected in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Pingtung, and Penghu counties.
Taiwan's outlying islands will experience varied conditions, with Penghu facing cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from 23 to 29°C (73.4 to 84.2°F), Kinmen expecting 20 to 29°C (68 to 84.2°F), and Matsu temperatures predicted between 21 and 25°C (69.8 to 77°F). Officials from the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network warned that high-pressure systems moving offshore will generate northeasterly winds, potentially trapping pollutants in central and southern regions. Afternoon ozone levels could spike due to increased photochemical reactions.
Air quality conditions will fluctuate significantly throughout Taiwan on Tuesday. Eastern regions including Hualien and Taitung will benefit from "good" air quality ratings, offering residents ideal outdoor conditions. Meanwhile, northern Taiwan and the counties of Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Yilan, and Penghu will experience "moderate" air quality. Health officials caution that central Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and the offshore islands of Matsu and Kinmen will face conditions "unhealthy for sensitive groups." ◼