TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A weakened tropical depression continues to drench Taiwan's southern regions with significant rainfall, the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, reported Friday (June 13). The weather system, which made landfall in Taitung's remote Changbin Township at 9 p.m. Thursday, has diminished in strength after encountering Taiwan's mountainous terrain but remains potent enough to shift regional wind patterns to a southwesterly flow, concentrating precipitation in the island's southern half.
Meteorologists warn that Friday's strengthening southwesterly winds will usher in unstable weather patterns and heightened atmospheric moisture across Taiwan. Weather officials anticipate brief but intense downpours throughout the island, with some localities potentially experiencing heavy to torrential rainfall. The most persistent and significant precipitation is currently concentrated in areas south of Chiayi in Taiwan's southern and southeastern regions, where residents are facing not only sustained rainfall but also dangerous lightning strikes and powerful wind gusts.
Despite the inclement weather, temperatures remain stubbornly high across Taiwan, ranging from 28 to 31 degrees Celsius (82.4 to 87.8°F), with overnight lows hovering around 25 to 26 degrees Celsius (77 to 78.8°F), creating persistently muggy conditions even during breaks in rainfall. Taiwan's outlying islands — Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu—are experiencing intermittent showers and thunderstorms with similar temperature patterns. Maritime authorities have issued advisories for coastal regions and islands including Penghu, Matsu, Green Island (綠島), and Orchid Island (蘭嶼), warning of strong winds and dangerous sea conditions, while the south coast and Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) face potential long-wave activity.
Officials have expressed particular concern about the combination of high tide cycles and heavy rainfall, which creates elevated flooding risks in low-lying areas across southern Taiwan. Emergency management authorities have urged residents in vulnerable coastal communities to maintain heightened vigilance and prepare for possible evacuations if conditions worsen. "The situation remains fluid," a CWA spokesperson noted, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring of official weather updates and strict adherence to safety protocols as the weather system continues its unpredictable progression across the region. ◼