Sudden Shift from Heat to Heavy Rain in Taiwan
Taiwan is currently experiencing a surge in summer-like conditions, with temperatures soaring past 36°C in central and southern regions. However, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has forecast that this hot spell will be interrupted by a weather front on Saturday (May 24), bringing much-needed rain and cooler air—particularly to the northern half of the island. By Sunday, the rain will start subsiding, but by mid-next week, a second front is expected, likely triggering another round of islandwide thunderstorms.
This marks the beginning of the transition into Taiwan’s plum rain season, which typically stretches from late May through June and brings erratic and intense rainfall interspersed with sweltering heat.
🔍 In-Depth Analysis
☀️ Current Weather: A Precursor to the Rainy Season
Taiwan is sweltering under early summer conditions. Temperatures are currently exceeding 36°C in central and southern areas, with even 38°C not out of the question in parts of Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Tainan. These conditions have raised heat alerts for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
The CWA noted that afternoon convective thunderstorms are likely in Taipei, Hualien, Taitung, and mountainous areas of Yilan. These pop-up storms, often sudden and intense, are typical during transitional weather phases.
🌧️ Weekend Weather Front: Localized Torrential Rain Expected
Meteorologist Chang Cheng-chun explained that a weather front from the East China Sea will begin influencing northern and northeastern Taiwan starting Saturday. Regions like Taipei, Keelung, New Taipei, Yilan, and Hualien should prepare for intermittent showers and localized heavy downpours.
This rain system is crucial as Taiwan heads toward the plum rain season, a period notorious for flash flooding, landslides in mountain areas, and flight disruptions.
🌡️ Temperature Drop
Along with rainfall, a strengthening northeast monsoon will lower temperatures considerably. On Saturday, expect:
- North Taiwan: Highs around 24°C
- Central Taiwan: Around 28°C
- Southern Taiwan: Still warm at 30°C
By Sunday, rainfall will retreat to southern Taiwan as the front moves toward the Bashi Channel.
🔄 Forecast for Next Week
The brief relief will be short-lived. The CWA forecasts that from Monday (May 26) through Wednesday (May 28), Taiwan will return to hot and humid conditions with:
- Partly cloudy skies
- Scattered afternoon showers
- Temperatures climbing back into the low-to-mid 30s °C
By Thursday (May 29), another front will push in, bringing showers or thunderstorms across the island again.
💡 What This Means for You
- Public Health: Hydrate, stay indoors during peak sun hours (10am–4pm), and monitor elderly and children.
- Travel: Expect potential disruptions for road and air travel this weekend, especially in northern Taiwan.
- Agriculture: The incoming rains offer a break from drought-like conditions but could damage crops if rainfall is too intense.
- Disaster Preparedness: Flash flood warnings could be issued in low-lying or mountainous areas; landslides are a risk.
📊 Weekly Weather Outlook
| Date | Region | Forecast | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23 (Fri) | Nationwide | Sunny, localized showers | 32–38 |
| May 24 (Sat) | North/East | Rain, thunderstorms, cooler | 24–30 |
| May 25 (Sun) | Central/South | Scattered heavy showers | 27–32 |
| May 26–28 | Island-wide | Hot, humid, afternoon showers | 30–35 |
| May 29 (Thu) | Island-wide | Front brings widespread storms | 28–33 |
📌 FAQs
Why is Taiwan experiencing extreme heat right now?
Taiwan is in a pre-summer transition phase with weak frontal activity and strong solar heating, especially in southern regions. This often leads to heat surges before the rainy season begins.
When does the plum rain season start in Taiwan?
Typically between late May and mid-June. This week’s and next week’s weather patterns signal the early onset of this season.
What precautions should I take during afternoon thunderstorms?
Stay indoors, avoid open fields, tall structures, and flooded areas. Lightning strikes and flash floods are common during these storms.
Will the rain help with Taiwan’s water reservoirs?
Yes, but localized showers may not be sufficient. Consistent rainfall over catchment areas is necessary to significantly impact reservoir levels.
Is this rain front related to any typhoons?
No, these are typical mid-latitude spring fronts, not typhoon systems. However, typhoon season usually begins in June.
