TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A cold front sweeping across Taiwan on Friday (May 29) will bring widespread rain to northern and northeastern regions, ending several days of dangerous heat. The system introduces risks of localized heavy downpours and thunderstorms, according to the Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署).
The administration issued an orange-level heat warning for southern Taiwan, with Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung County expected to see temperatures reach 36°C (96.8°F) or higher on Friday. The warning is the second-highest in Taiwan's heat alert system.
Northern Taiwan, northeastern Taiwan, and the outlying Matsu Islands have the highest probability of heavy rain Friday, while the Penghu and Kinmen islands will also experience brief showers or thunderstorms. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected in mountainous areas across eastern, southeastern, and central-southern Taiwan.
The administration urged vulnerable populations — including the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers — to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in heat-affected areas and stay hydrated.
Private weather forecaster WeatherRisk (天氣風險) said the typhoon's forecast track has shifted slightly eastward, reducing the likelihood of direct impact on Taiwan. The storm is expected to make its closest approach between Sunday (May 31) and Tuesday (June 2), though the probability of sea or land warnings remains low.
The weather administration warned of significant wind changes in the Taiwan Strait and northern waters Friday, with winds shifting from southerly to northerly and gusts reaching Beaufort 10 in thunderstorm areas. Starting Sunday, long swells are expected along the Keelung north coast, eastern Taiwan including Lanyu and Green Island, and the Hengchun Peninsula.
Conditions will stabilize Saturday and Sunday, with partly cloudy to clear skies across most of Taiwan, though afternoon thunderstorms remain possible in mountainous areas. ◼