TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei City's Sanxia (三峽) weather station recorded a blistering 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6°F) at noon on Tuesday (July 1), prompting Taiwan's meteorological authorities to take action. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service, responded by issuing orange and yellow high-temperature alerts across 19 counties and cities throughout the island, as officials urged residents to take immediate precautions against potentially dangerous heat-related conditions.
The most severe orange alerts were issued for Taiwan's capital Taipei City, neighboring New Taipei City, and central Taiwan's Changhua County, where temperatures have either surpassed 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F) for more than three consecutive days or exceeded 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F). Meanwhile, northern port city Keelung, industrial hub Taoyuan City, and several other regions received yellow alerts, indicating temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Health officials across the affected regions have launched a coordinated public safety campaign, advising residents to remain indoors when possible, apply adequate sun protection, maintain consistent hydration, and employ cooling strategies including fans and ice packs.
The CWA issued specific warnings for vulnerable populations facing heightened risk during the heatwave, including elderly citizens, young children, individuals with chronic health conditions, those with obesity, people taking certain medications, and outdoor workers or exercisers. Medical experts from the administration strongly advised avoiding prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments while emphasizing preventative measures as essential, not optional. This sustained heatwave represents a "significant public health concern," according to a CWA spokesperson, who urged residents to monitor weather updates regularly and implement protective measures against heat-related illnesses. The administration continues to monitor conditions as temperatures show little sign of moderating in the coming days. ◼