TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Air quality dropped to "moderate" levels across western Taiwan Tuesday (Aug. 26) as easterly winds contributed to pollutant accumulation, according to the Ministry of Environment (環境部), Taiwan's environmental protection agency. The deteriorating conditions may affect sensitive individuals and outdoor activities in northern regions, Hsinchu-Miaoli, central areas, Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan, Kaohsiung-Pingtung, and Kinmen (金門), while eastern counties including Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Matsu (馬祖), and Penghu maintain "good" air quality ratings.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), the island's national meteorological agency, reported that the same easterly wind pattern is creating partly cloudy to sunny conditions across the island. The weather system will particularly impact the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, home to nearly three million residents, with atmospheric conditions expected to influence daily activities and outdoor planning throughout the region.
The CWA forecasts isolated heavy rain in central and southern regions during afternoon hours, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) in Greater Taipei. Eastern coastal areas will experience more moderate conditions between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius (89.6-91.4°F), while western regions face intense heat reaching 35 to 36 degrees Celsius (95-96.8°F). Meteorologists warn residents to prepare for potentially sweltering conditions that could impact outdoor activities and energy consumption patterns.
Moisture from southern regions will advance northward over the weekend, expanding rainfall patterns with significant precipitation increases expected in eastern areas. Wednesday (Aug. 27) will deliver similar weather conditions, featuring brief showers across eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula, a popular tourist destination in the island's southernmost tip. Weather officials advise residents and visitors to monitor conditions closely as atmospheric patterns continue evolving throughout the week.