TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather patterns will undergo a dramatic seasonal shift next week as the first northeast monsoon of autumn arrives around Sept. 18, bringing relief from scorching summer temperatures. Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) announced the forecast Wednesday (Sept. 10) in a Facebook post, predicting temperatures will drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 7.2°F). The seasonal transition marks the end of hot, stable weather dominated by Pacific high-pressure systems that have gripped the island.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), the island's official weather service, predicted partly cloudy to sunny conditions across the island. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts threaten western and eastern mountainous regions during peak heating hours. Temperatures will climb to 32 to 34 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 93.2°F), with Greater Taipei and Kaohsiung-Pingtung areas likely exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F).
Advanced weather models from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) confirm the significant atmospheric shift approaching next week. Northern and northeastern Taiwan will experience cloudy skies, brief showers, and occasional strong wind gusts as the monsoon establishes itself. Lin cautioned that current outdoor activities require rigorous sun protection and adequate hydration due to dangerously high ultraviolet radiation levels during midday hours. ◼