TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) issued simultaneous heavy rain and extreme heat warnings Friday (May 29). The alerts create a complex multi-hazard situation across southern regions. Tropical Storm Jangmi (薔蜜) continues churning more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) offshore in the western Pacific.
The weather agency warned of torrential rain in Pingtung County and Kaohsiung's mountain areas Friday afternoon. Heavy rain warnings also cover mountain regions in Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi, Hualien and Taitung. Residents should watch for lightning, strong gusts, landslides, rockfalls and flash flooding.
The agency also issued a highest-level red heat alert for Tainan City and Pingtung County, where temperatures could continuously reach or exceed 38°C (100.4°F). Kaohsiung City faces an orange alert for possible extreme heat of 38°C (100.4°F). Seven additional areas — Changhua County, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Hualien and Taitung — are under orange alerts for continuous temperatures of 36°C (96.8°F) or higher.
The weather agency urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and use sun protection and hydrate frequently, or use fans or ice packs to cool down indoors. Elderly residents, young children, people with chronic conditions, obese individuals, those taking certain medications, outdoor workers and athletes face heightened risk, the agency said.
Tropical Storm Jangmi, the season's sixth named storm, was located approximately 1,540 kilometers (957 miles) east-southeast of Taiwan's southern tip as of 8 a.m. Friday. It was moving west-northwest at 18 km/h (11 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 83 km/h (52 mph).
Forecasters expect Jangmi to curve northward toward Japan rather than approach Taiwan directly. However, the storm's outer circulation could bring strengthened northeast winds and additional moisture to northern and northeastern Taiwan by Monday and Tuesday.
The front is expected to move away by Saturday. The weather agency forecast a mostly cloudy to sunny weekend, though afternoon thunderstorms remain possible in central and southern mountain areas.
A strong wind warning remains in effect through Saturday evening for New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Pingtung and Penghu. Sustained winds of Beaufort 6 (39–49 km/h or 24–31 mph) or gusts of Beaufort 8 (62–74 km/h or 39–46 mph) are possible, the agency said. ◼