How often do afternoon thunderstorms occur?

From July 16 to 21, thunderstorms are expected daily in mountainous areas, spreading to lowlands.

Why does foehn wind occur in Taitung?

Southwesterly winds descend and compress over the Central Mountain Range, heating the air and creating dry, hot foehn winds.

What precautions should families with children take?

Avoid outdoor activities, ensure hydration indoors, close windows, and limit electronic use during thunderstorms.

Wu Derong: Unstable Atmosphere Leads to Frequent Strong Afternoon Convection

Published Jul 16, 2026 9:36 AM ・ Updated Jul 16, 2026 11:32 AM ・ 6 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Meteorological expert Wu Derong stated that due to a weak Pacific high-pressure system, the atmosphere remains unstable, leading to frequent development of strong convection over mountainous areas in the afternoon, extending to some flatlands. Caution is advised for sudden heavy rainfall.

(Central News Agency reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, July 16) Meteorological expert Wu Derong stated today that due to a relatively weak Pacific high-pressure system, the atmosphere is unstable, often leading to the development of strong convection in mountainous areas during the afternoon, which may extend to some flatlands. People should be cautious of sudden heavy rainfall.

The Central Weather Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has issued a high-temperature advisory. Affected by the subsidence of the southwest wind, weather across Taiwan is hot and sweltering, with a chance of foehn winds in Taitung County. Today, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, and Hualien County are under an orange alert, indicating a high probability of consecutive temperatures reaching 36°C. Miaoli County, Taichung City, Nantou County, Chiayi City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, and Taitung County are under a yellow alert, indicating a likelihood of temperatures reaching 36°C.

Wu Derong, adjunct associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University, wrote in the 'Leak the Heavens Classroom' column of the Foundation for Meteorological Applications that although tropical cloud clusters in the South China Sea and east of the Philippines may fluctuate over the next few days, development conditions are poor. However, disturbances in the South China Sea maintain the southwest wind and moisture near Taiwan, increasing atmospheric instability and bringing consecutive afternoon thunderstorms.

Wu pointed out that from today through the 21st, low-level southwest winds and abundant moisture from the southern seas will persist. Southern regions may experience occasional localized brief rainfall. Due to the weak Pacific high-pressure system, the atmosphere remains unstable, and strong afternoon convection frequently develops in mountainous areas, spreading to some flatlands. People should be alert to lightning, strong winds, and sudden heavy rainfall. Even before rain, the weather will be hot, so sun protection and heatstroke prevention are also necessary.

Wu stated that the latest model simulations show that from the 21st to the 25th, low-level southwest winds will weaken and moisture from the south will decrease, while the Pacific high-pressure system will slightly strengthen, leading to gradually stabilizing weather. Clear skies are expected across regions, with daytime heat resembling midsummer, though localized brief afternoon rainfall remains possible in mountainous areas. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150716

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Wu Derong: Unstable Atmosphere Leads to Frequent Strong Afternoon Convection

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