TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Central and southern Taiwan face summer-like heat Tuesday (March 24), with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F), while air quality alerts affect six counties and cities, meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) reported. Wu advised residents to be cautious of temperature fluctuations and thick fog during morning and evening hours. The Ministry of Environment, Taiwan's environmental protection agency, issued an "orange alert" for air quality in Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and central areas.
Morning low temperatures rose slightly, with flatland readings between 17 and 18 degrees Celsius (62.6°F to 64.4°F), Wu noted. Specific readings include 17.4 degrees Celsius (63.3°F) in New Taipei's Shimen District (新北石門區) and 17.2 degrees Celsius (63.0°F) in Yunlin's Gukeng Township (雲林古坑鄉). Kaohsiung's Neimen District (高雄內門區) recorded 17.1 degrees Celsius (62.8°F), while Hualien's Shoufeng Township (花蓮壽豐鄉) saw 17.9 degrees Celsius (64.2°F). The latest European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) simulation showed the eastern half of Taiwan may see occasional scattered showers.
Rapid weather changes are expected over the next week, with a stronger front arriving next Tuesday (March 31), bringing cooler temperatures and rain to northern Taiwan. The ministry forecasted pollutants will accumulate north of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan due to southeastern winds. Weather stability will return over the weekend, with clear skies from Saturday (March 28) to next Monday (March 30), though the eastern half of Taiwan may see occasional brief showers.
Next Tuesday to Thursday (March 31 to April 2), another front will bring localized rain to the north and east, with northern Taiwan noticeably cooling. Residents should prepare for significant temperature swings as the weather pattern shifts from summer-like heat to cooler, wetter conditions by early next week. ◼