13 Cities and Counties to Remain Under Heat Alert on the 22nd; Typhoon Mekkhala Expected to Pass Closest to Taiwan on the 25th

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) announced on June 21 that high temperatures will persist through the 24th, with 13 cities and counties under heat alerts for temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius on the 22nd. Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to strengthen into a medium-intensity typhoon between tonight and tomorrow morning, with its closest approach to Taiwan projected for the 25th, potentially bringing rain to the western and northeastern regions.

On the 22nd, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Tainan City, Pingtung County, and Hualien County are under orange light alerts for continuous 36-degree temperatures. Keelung City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Chiayi County, and Kaohsiung City are under yellow light alerts, cautioning residents against hitting the 36-degree threshold.

CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng noted that the high heat in the greater Taipei basin is due to strong solar radiation, with New Taipei's Xindian District recording 38.8 degrees and Taipei's Xinyi District reaching 38 degrees today. Similar temperatures are expected tomorrow.

Regarding Typhoon Mekkhala, as of this afternoon, it was located approximately 1,310 kilometers southeast of Eluanbi. While the current trajectory suggests it will pass near Taiwan's eastern waters, the CWA notes uncertainty regarding its path. A 100-kilometer margin of error remains, and meteorologists will continue to monitor whether a maritime typhoon warning is necessary. Between the 25th and 26th, the typhoon’s outer cloud bands are expected to bring localized rain to western and northeastern Taiwan.