TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather watchdogs sounded the alarm Friday (Aug. 29) with a red heat alert for New Taipei City, warning residents to brace for a brutal 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F). The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's meteorological agency, predicts a scorching weekend with island-wide temperatures hitting 31 to 36 degrees Celsius (87.8 to 96.8°F) through Sunday.
Weather experts warn Taipei, Taoyuan, and mountainous regions could sizzle past 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Dangerous UV levels have officials screaming for sun protection and hydration as the heat cranks up. Keelung's northern coastline might catch some relief with scattered showers, but everywhere else faces blazing sunshine and partly cloudy skies.
Afternoon thunderstorms could slam areas south of Taoyuan, potentially dumping heavy rain during intense weather activity. The massive Pacific high-pressure system keeps Taiwan locked under easterly winds Saturday, maintaining quick-hitting showers and storms across Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula. Mother Nature's keeping everyone on their toes.
Wind patterns flip to south-southeasterly Sunday, pumping moisture from the south and cranking up shower frequency across southeastern Taiwan and Hengchun Peninsula. Western regions and mountain areas face afternoon downpour threats, forcing residents to stay weather-ready for sudden storms. Taiwan's weather roller coaster shows no signs of slowing down. ◼