TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's meteorological agency issued an urgent heat advisory on Monday (June 23) as a punishing heat wave tightened its grip on the island, with forecasters warning that temperatures could exceed 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F) in the capital Taipei and seven other densely populated counties. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather forecasting body, urged residents to exercise extreme caution as meteorologists anticipate one of the most scorching days of the summer across the region.
The advisory system, which uses color-coded warnings similar to typhoon signals familiar to Taiwanese residents, placed Yunlin County, an agricultural heartland, alongside industrial Kaohsiung City and rural Pingtung County under an "orange signal," indicating the likelihood of consecutive days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 36°C (96.8°F). The capital Taipei City, neighboring New Taipei City, agricultural Changhua County, historic Tainan City, and eastern coastal Hualien County received "yellow signal" designations, warning of similar high-temperature possibilities but with less certainty of prolonged exposure.
Public health officials recommend that residents remain indoors during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and postpone any non-essential outdoor activities to mitigate potentially serious heat-related health risks. In detailed guidance distributed through social media channels and local television, they advise liberal application of broad-spectrum sunscreen, consumption of at least two liters of water daily, and ensuring proper cross-ventilation in homes and workplaces. Simple cooling methods such as electric fans, cold showers, or applying ice packs to pulse points can help maintain a comfortable body temperature, especially in older apartments lacking air conditioning.
The weather administration, working in conjunction with Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, emphasizes the critical importance of special care for vulnerable populations most susceptible to heat-related medical emergencies. Their guidance specifically identifies seven high-risk groups: elderly citizens, especially those living alone; young children; individuals with pre-existing chronic illnesses; people with obesity; those taking medications that affect temperature regulation; economically disadvantaged communities with limited access to cooling resources; and outdoor workers or exercise enthusiasts. Health authorities stress that these vulnerable groups should completely avoid high-temperature environments whenever possible to prevent potentially fatal conditions like heat stroke.