Heavy Rain Alert for Northern and Central Taiwan on Afternoon of 18th; Heatwave Hits During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) warns of localized heavy rain in northern and central Taiwan on the afternoon of the 18th. Starting from the 19th, the Pacific high-pressure system will strengthen, leading to clear and hot weather across Taiwan during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. The period from the 20th to the 22nd is expected to be the hottest of the week, with temperatures reaching 36°C or higher in Greater Taipei, central and southern regions, and the Hualien-Taitung valley.

According to CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng, most areas will experience cloudy to sunny conditions on the 18th, with scattered brief showers in southern regions in the early morning. In the afternoon, localized thunderstorms are expected in northern and central Taiwan, Yilan County, and mountainous areas across the island, with the possibility of heavy rain in mountainous regions of northern and central Taiwan.

From the 19th onward, the Pacific high-pressure system will gradually strengthen, shifting the weather pattern to hot and sunny conditions. Until the 24th, most areas will remain mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms in Yilan and mountainous regions.

Liu noted that a weather front is expected to approach the sea north of Taiwan around the 25th, accompanied by strengthening southwest winds, potentially bringing another round of rainfall by the end of June. However, the extent and intensity of the rainfall remain uncertain and require further monitoring.

Additionally, current data indicates a tropical system forming near Guam this weekend. However, as environmental conditions are unfavorable for development along its path toward the Ryukyu Islands, it remains uncertain whether it will intensify into a typhoon. Given its distant location from Taiwan, the likelihood of impact is low.

Regarding temperatures, highs on the 18th are expected to range from 32°C to 34°C, with localized areas in the Hualien-Taitung valley possibly exceeding 36°C. On the 19th, temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C. The period from the 20th to the 22nd will be the hottest of the week, with 36°C or higher expected in Greater Taipei, mountainous areas of central and southern Taiwan, and the Hualien-Taitung valley.

Liu advised vigilance against foehn winds in the Hualien-Taitung valley until the 20th. Additionally, due to spring tides before the 19th, coastal low-lying areas should remain alert for flooding during high tide.