On Saturday, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued heat alerts across seven municipalities, warning residents of extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 36°C in some regions. Counties like Pingtung and Hualien have now received three consecutive days of orange-level warnings, indicating prolonged heat waves that pose serious health risks.
This latest development marks not just a seasonal trend but also underlines broader climate concerns as Taiwan grapples with intensifying heat, strained infrastructure, and public health challenges.
🔥 The Heat Alert System: What Do Yellow and Orange Mean?
- Yellow Alert: Indicates maximum daily temperatures may reach or exceed 36°C for a day.
- Orange Alert: Indicates temperatures have hit at least 36°C for three or more consecutive days — a sign of a sustained heat wave.
As of Saturday:
- Orange Alerts: Pingtung, Hualien
- Yellow Alerts: Taipei, New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Changhua, Yunlin
🌍 Nationwide Conditions
According to the CWA:
- Inland temperatures across the island were between 31°C and 35°C.
- In mountainous regions, highs exceeded 36°C, with foothills and valleys acting as heat traps.
- Localized thunderstorms are still expected in mountain zones, while most of the country will experience sunny to partly cloudy skies.
Offshore areas:
- Penghu: 26°C–32°C
- Kinmen: 26°C–32°C
- Matsu: 26°C–31°C
🧠 Expert Insights: Meteorologist Wu Der-rong’s Warnings
Noted meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) provided additional forecasts that frame the current heat trend in a broader climatological context:
- Next Tuesday and Wednesday may bring Taiwan’s hottest days of 2025 so far.
- A tropical disturbance is forming near the Philippines and may evolve into a typhoon, although the current track suggests a low likelihood of direct landfall in Taiwan.
- Decreased atmospheric moisture from Tuesday onward could result in even hotter, drier weather with increased risk of heatstroke and drought conditions.
💬 Public Health Risks & Government Preparedness
With continued high temperatures:
- Elderly, young children, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and stroke.
- Hospitals have reported an uptick in heat-related admissions, prompting the Ministry of Health and Welfare to coordinate with local governments on hydration and emergency response campaigns.
The Ministry of Education has also issued guidance for schools to:
- Adjust outdoor activity schedules
- Provide cooling stations
- Implement hydration breaks
🏙️ Urban Heat Island Effect – Why Cities Are Getting Hotter
Taiwan’s major metropolitan areas such as Taipei, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung are especially prone to heat due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
- Dense concrete infrastructure, lack of green space, and traffic all contribute to higher retained heat, particularly at night.
- The government has been urged to accelerate urban greening initiatives, increase reflective roofing, and integrate climate resilience planning into municipal development.
🙋 FAQs
What does an orange-level heat alert mean in Taiwan?
It indicates that temperatures have reached 36°C or more for three consecutive days, marking a sustained and dangerous heat wave requiring public health precautions.
Who is most at risk during these heatwaves?
Elderly people, children, outdoor laborers, and people with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk. They should avoid prolonged exposure and stay hydrated.
What are the government’s recommendations during a heatwave?
Avoid outdoor activities during midday, drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing, and seek air-conditioned environments when possible.
Could this heatwave be connected to climate change?
Yes. Taiwan is seeing longer, more intense heatwaves, consistent with global warming and altered atmospheric patterns.
Will this heatwave lead to power shortages or droughts?
Officials have warned of potential strain on the power grid and reduced reservoir levels, though no major shortages have been reported yet.
