More Moisture, Heavy Rain Expected in Northern Taiwan on 21st; High Temperatures in Tainan, Kaohsiung
The Central Weather Administration forecasts increased moisture on May 21 and 22, bringing localized brief showers to areas north of Taoyuan and mountains from Hsinchu to Chiayi, with a chance of localized heavy rain in northern mountains tomorrow. Meanwhile, parts of Tainan and Kaohsiung should remain alert for localized high temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or more. The next front or a tropical system could affect Taiwan around next weekend, but forecasts remain uncertain.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 18:49
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(CNA, by Chang Hsiung-feng, Taipei, May 20) The Central Weather Administration (CWA) stated that increased moisture tomorrow, the 22nd, will bring localized brief showers to areas north of Taoyuan and the mountains from Hsinchu to Chiayi, with potential for localized heavy rain in northern mountainous areas tomorrow. Additionally, parts of Tainan and Kaohsiung should remain alert for localized high temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or more tomorrow.
CWA forecaster Lai Hsin-kuo told a CNA reporter that on tomorrow and the 22nd, a front over the waters north of Taiwan will make the weather unstable. Moisture will increase from tomorrow afternoon through the 22nd, causing localized brief showers in areas north of Taoyuan and the mountains from Hsinchu to Chiayi; northern mountains may experience localized heavy rain tomorrow.
Lai stated that from the 23rd to the 26th, a southwesterly wind will prevail, reducing moisture. Skies will be partly cloudy to clear, with scattered brief afternoon thundershowers in Yilan, Hualien, and mountainous areas in central and northern Taiwan. On the mornings of the 24th and 25th, southern coastal areas will see scattered brief showers. On the 27th, the forecast is for partly cloudy to clear skies, with localized afternoon thundershowers in the Greater Taipei area and Yilan mountains, and scattered brief thundershowers in Hualien and mountains in central and northern Taiwan.
Regarding temperatures, Lai said that tomorrow and on the 22nd, highs in the western half of Taiwan will be around 31 to 33 degrees, and in the eastern half, around 30 to 32 degrees. Around noon tomorrow, parts of Tainan and Kaohsiung should still be wary of localized highs around 36 degrees. From the 23rd into next week, with the southwesterly wind, highs across the island will increase by another 2 to 3 degrees, feeling muggy in the Greater Taipei Basin. The Taitung area should be aware of possible Foehn winds on the 23rd.
Lai reminded that on the 21st, 22nd, 24th, and 25th, the Kinmen and Matsu areas are prone to low clouds or localized fog, which will affect visibility.
Lai pointed out that current data shows the next front may affect Taiwan around next weekend. However, a tropical system is also observed to be brewing in the waters east of the Philippines, which could also form around next weekend. If the tropical system is closer to Taiwan, it could interfere with the front's southward movement; conversely, if the tropical system is weaker or farther from Taiwan, Taiwan will be more susceptible to the front's influence. As forecasts from various countries still diverge, continuous observation is necessary.
CWA forecaster Lai Hsin-kuo told a CNA reporter that on tomorrow and the 22nd, a front over the waters north of Taiwan will make the weather unstable. Moisture will increase from tomorrow afternoon through the 22nd, causing localized brief showers in areas north of Taoyuan and the mountains from Hsinchu to Chiayi; northern mountains may experience localized heavy rain tomorrow.
Lai stated that from the 23rd to the 26th, a southwesterly wind will prevail, reducing moisture. Skies will be partly cloudy to clear, with scattered brief afternoon thundershowers in Yilan, Hualien, and mountainous areas in central and northern Taiwan. On the mornings of the 24th and 25th, southern coastal areas will see scattered brief showers. On the 27th, the forecast is for partly cloudy to clear skies, with localized afternoon thundershowers in the Greater Taipei area and Yilan mountains, and scattered brief thundershowers in Hualien and mountains in central and northern Taiwan.
Regarding temperatures, Lai said that tomorrow and on the 22nd, highs in the western half of Taiwan will be around 31 to 33 degrees, and in the eastern half, around 30 to 32 degrees. Around noon tomorrow, parts of Tainan and Kaohsiung should still be wary of localized highs around 36 degrees. From the 23rd into next week, with the southwesterly wind, highs across the island will increase by another 2 to 3 degrees, feeling muggy in the Greater Taipei Basin. The Taitung area should be aware of possible Foehn winds on the 23rd.
Lai reminded that on the 21st, 22nd, 24th, and 25th, the Kinmen and Matsu areas are prone to low clouds or localized fog, which will affect visibility.
Lai pointed out that current data shows the next front may affect Taiwan around next weekend. However, a tropical system is also observed to be brewing in the waters east of the Philippines, which could also form around next weekend. If the tropical system is closer to Taiwan, it could interfere with the front's southward movement; conversely, if the tropical system is weaker or farther from Taiwan, Taiwan will be more susceptible to the front's influence. As forecasts from various countries still diverge, continuous observation is necessary.