TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency has issued its highest heat alerts for three counties as dangerous temperatures are expected to reach 100.4°F (38°C) on Thursday (May 28). The warnings come one day after multiple weather stations shattered all-time May temperature records.
The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather agency, placed New Taipei City, Tainan City and Hualien County under red-level alerts, indicating the potential for sustained extreme temperatures. Nine additional counties and cities received orange-level warnings for temperatures reaching 96.8°F (36°C).
On Wednesday, Tainan's Yujing District (玉井) recorded the nation's highest temperature at 103.6°F (39.8°C). Taipei's weather station broke its all-time May record at 100.9°F (38.3°C). Keelung reached 99.7°F (37.6°C) and New Taipei hit 100.0°F (37.8°C), both also May records.
Thursday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs of 89.6°F to 96.8°F (32°C to 36°C) across most of Taiwan. Greater Taipei, the Huadong Valley in eastern Taiwan and inland areas of central and southern Taiwan face the highest risk, with temperatures potentially reaching 98.6°F (37°C) or above.
The weather agency urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wearing sun protection and staying hydrated. Special attention is urged for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses and outdoor workers. UV radiation levels are expected to reach "excessive" or "dangerous" levels.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Jangmi (薔蜜) remains far from Taiwan. As of Wednesday afternoon, the storm was located approximately 1,380 miles (2,220 km) southeast of Taiwan's southern tip. It was moving northwest toward the Ryukyu Islands at 10 mph (16 km/h). The storm poses no direct threat to Taiwan. However, its outer cloud bands may bring scattered showers to northern and northeastern Taiwan by Monday (June 1) and Tuesday. ◼