TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A weather front approaching from the north will bring localized rain and thunderstorms to northern and northeastern Taiwan on Tuesday (March 31), ending a stretch of summer-like heat across the island, meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said. The front marks the beginning of an unsettled weather pattern that will persist through the week, with a stronger system expected to arrive Saturday.
Temperatures on Tuesday will range from 17 to 30 degrees Celsius (62.6 to 86°F) in the north, 18 to 34 degrees Celsius (64.4 to 93.2°F) in central Taiwan, 16 to 35 degrees Celsius (60.8 to 95°F) in the south, and 17 to 34 degrees Celsius (62.6 to 93.2°F) in the east, Wu said. Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) said a shift to southwesterly winds could push temperatures in southern Taiwan as high as 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F).
The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) predicted rain on Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu, with heavier showers possible in Matsu. The rest of the island will see mostly cloudy to sunny skies, though mountain areas could experience isolated afternoon thunderstorms, the agency said. A stronger northeast monsoon arriving Wednesday will bring cooler, wetter conditions to northern and northeastern Taiwan.
The front will move southward on Wednesday, bringing rain and cooler temperatures to areas from Chiayi northward, Wu said. Thursday and Friday will offer brief sunny spells before another front arrives Saturday, bringing thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across the island. Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday as the second front weakens and shifts north, restoring clearer skies. ◼