TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces extreme heat this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 37°C (98.6°F) in parts of the island, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). The agency forecast mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies on Saturday (May 23), with the hottest conditions in inland southern Taiwan, Greater Taipei, Hualien, Taitung and central inland areas.
The CWA warned of foehn winds, dry and warm downslope winds, in southeastern Taiwan and urged residents to take precautions. The agency also advised travelers to monitor flight information Saturday due to potential visibility issues caused by low clouds or fog in Kinmen (金門) and Matsu (馬祖), outlying islands near China.
Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) warned that Taiwan will remain under the influence of a warm air mass, resulting in extreme high temperatures starting Saturday. Wu said the island could repeatedly set new temperature records for the year. Afternoon showers may occur in mountainous areas, but the stable atmosphere will limit rainfall, he added.
WeatherRisk (天氣風險), a private forecasting company, reported that a southwestern wind system will dominate Taiwan starting Saturday. The pattern will reduce atmospheric moisture and bring hot, dry conditions, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms limited to mountainous regions. Coastal areas in southern Taiwan may see increased cloud cover and brief showers Sunday morning, though significant rainfall remains unlikely. ◼