Extreme heat grips Taiwan as tropical storm forms offshore

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency has issued red heat alerts for Tainan and Pingtung counties, warning of continuous extreme temperatures reaching 38°C (100.4°F) through Thursday (May 28). A tropical depression in the western Pacific is also intensifying and could become Typhoon Jangmi (薔蜜) by week's end.

The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署), Taiwan's national meteorological agency, said temperatures in parts of southern Taiwan could approach 40°C (104°F) on Wednesday, with the heat wave expected to persist until a cold front arrives Friday. The agency also issued orange alerts for Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Taitung, indicating either 38°C extreme temperatures or continuous 36°C (96.8°F) conditions.

Monday's high of 39.6°C (103.3°F) in Tainan's Yuejing District was the hottest reading nationwide. The agency urged residents to avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and guard against heat injuries, with particular caution for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.

Taitung County faces additional risk from foehn winds, which can amplify temperatures and create fire hazards, the agency said. Farmers were advised to use irrigation to cool crops.

Tropical Depression 06, located 2,560 kilometers (1,590 miles) southeast of Taiwan as of Tuesday, was moving west-northwest at 18 km/h (11 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 54 km/h (34 mph). The CWA said it showed signs of developing into a typhoon; private meteorologists assessed a greater than 90 percent probability it would reach at least moderate intensity.

If upgraded, the system would be named Typhoon Jangmi. Forecasters said the storm's path remained uncertain but that it was most likely to curve northward toward Japan's Ryukyu Islands around June 3, though recent model runs have shifted the projected track closer to Taiwan.

A cold front is expected on Friday, bringing rain to central and northern regions and temporary relief from the heat. Temperatures in northern and eastern Taiwan are expected to drop to 29-31°C (84-88°F).

By the weekend, the tropical system could generate long swells along Taiwan's northern and eastern coasts, the CWA warned. Sea conditions from May 31 through June 2 may include gusts up to 88 km/h (55 mph) and wave heights of 1.5-2.5 meters (5-8 feet).

The Pacific high pressure system's strength in coming days will determine whether the storm tracks closer to Taiwan or veers toward Japan, meteorologists said. ◼