Moisture Decreasing Daily: Beware of Temperatures Above 36°C During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

TAIPEI (CNA) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated on June 15 that localized heavy rains will still affect central and southern Taiwan tomorrow. Moisture levels will gradually decrease this week, while temperatures steadily rise. During the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, most areas across Taiwan are expected to experience cloudy to sunny conditions, though localized regions should remain alert for temperatures exceeding 36°C.

CWA forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng told CNA that convective cells over the sea are being carried inland by southwest winds, bringing short-duration heavy rainfall in intermittent bursts, particularly affecting southern Taiwan.

According to CWA data, as of 5 p.m. today, seven of the top ten rainfall accumulation sites were located in Kaohsiung, with Gangshan and Qiaotou districts both recording 139 millimeters—the highest. Other areas including Penghu County, Taichung City, and Tainan City also experienced significant rainfall.

Tseng explained that over the next two days, southwest winds will gradually weaken and the weather front will slowly shift northward. Moisture remains relatively high tomorrow, with localized brief showers or thunderstorms—and possible heavy rain—expected in central and southern regions. Mountainous areas across Taiwan may experience heavier rainfall in the afternoons. On the 17th, rainfall will further subside, though afternoon localized thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain remain possible.

From June 18 to 22, the Pacific high-pressure system will strengthen, bringing predominantly cloudy to sunny skies nationwide. Isolated brief thunderstorms are expected in northern and northeastern Taiwan, as well as mountainous areas during afternoons. Meanwhile, scattered brief showers may occur in southern coastal areas during early mornings.

Temperatures will gradually rise over the coming week. Tomorrow’s highs are forecast between 28°C and 31°C across regions. On the 17th and 18th, daytime temperatures will exceed 30°C island-wide. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, highs will climb to 32–35°C, with some areas possibly exceeding 36°C. Eastern and southeastern regions should also prepare for foehn winds from the 17th to 19th.

Tseng warned that spring tides will persist until June 19, urging low-lying coastal areas to remain vigilant against seawater backflow during high tide. Current data indicates no significant tropical systems developing within the next 10 days. A potential tropical system may form near Guam next week, initially moving toward the Ryukyu Islands before turning northward. However, its path remains highly uncertain, requiring continuous monitoring. (Edited by Kuan Chung-wei)