TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for a sweltering heat wave as the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, issued an advisory for scorching temperatures on Wednesday (July 2). Officials predict highs ranging from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 96.8°F) across the island nation, with northern regions potentially seeing mercury rise above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6°F). Southern areas near mountains or valleys might experience temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Health officials emphasize the danger of intense ultraviolet radiation during midday hours, strongly advising residents to apply protective sunscreen and maintain adequate hydration.
Weather officials noted that eastern regions and the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), a popular tourist destination at Taiwan's southernmost tip, should prepare for intermittent scattered showers throughout the day. Residents of Chiayi county and mountainous areas in the south face the possibility of localized thunderstorms developing by afternoon. Taiwan's outlying islands present a varied forecast: Penghu will enjoy predominantly sunny to partly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82.4 to 89.6°F), while Kinmen faces similar skies but higher temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95°F). Matsu (馬祖), the northernmost island group, will experience slightly cooler temperatures between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius (80.6 to 87.8°F).
Meteorologists warn that Taoyuan and Hsinchu County, both important technology manufacturing hubs, will experience powerful winds averaging level 6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts potentially exceeding level 8, creating hazardous conditions for fishing vessels and recreational coastal activities. Weather trackers are monitoring a tropical depression southeast of Japan that continues moving north-northwest, though officials emphasize it currently poses no direct threat to Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment (MOEN, 環境部), Taiwan's environmental protection agency, reports moderate air quality conditions throughout northern, central, and southern regions of the main island, while eastern counties of Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and the outlying islands of Matsu, Kinmen, and Penghu will benefit from good air quality. ◼