TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said strengthening southwesterly winds will continue until Saturday (June 15), leading to higher temperatures in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taitung.

The CWA warned the public that daytime highs in these areas could reach 36 C throughout the week. Hot and muggy weather is forecast to continue in these areas until the summer solstice (June 21).

CWA meteorologist Yeh Chih-chun (葉致均) spoke with CNA, noting other areas around Taiwan will experience highs between 31 and 34 C. Yeh added that southeastern areas could also experience Foehn winds, dry, warm downslope wind that occurs on the downwind side of a mountain range. 

The CWA said Tainan and Kaohsiung could see afternoon thunderstorms, potentially bringing heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, strong gusts, and surging streams and rivers. Low-lying locations may also be prone to flooding.

Yeh said low-lying clouds or partial fog could also occur in Matsu and Kinmen, affecting visibility until Saturday (June 15). 

Yeh said southwesterly winds will begin to weaken on Sunday (June 16), leading Taiwan to experience the effects of a Pacific high-pressure system at the start of next week. This will lead to less rainfall, while various areas will be hot and muggy.