TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces a dramatic weather shift as the first wave of cold air from the northeast monsoon approaches Saturday (Oct. 18), bringing rain to northern and eastern regions with gradual temperature drops. Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) forecasted this significant change in his column for National Central University (NCU, 中央大學), marking the end of an extended hot spell. The approaching system promises relief from scorching temperatures that have gripped the island for days.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service, issued heat cautions for New Taipei City (新北市) with extreme temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) for three consecutive days. Tainan City and Pingtung County remain under orange alerts, with forecasts of consecutive days at 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F). Wu noted that until Saturday (Oct. 18), most areas will remain sunny and hot, with northern Taiwan experiencing highs of 37 to 38 degrees Celsius (98.6 to 100.4°F).
Wu highlighted the potential impact of approaching Typhoon Fengshen (風神), expected to pass through northern Luzon Island and enter the South China Sea by 8 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 19). The typhoon's outer circulation combined with the northeast monsoon could produce significant rainfall across northern and eastern Taiwan. Latest U.S. ensemble model simulations show uncertainty in the storm's path, requiring continued monitoring as international forecasting models adjust their predictions. ◼