TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) on Saturday (June 22) issued heat alerts in 16 counties and cities, with a high of 38 C predicted in parts of southern Taiwan.

At 12:55 a.m., the CWA issued an orange heat warning for Yunlin County and Pingtung County, where it predicts highs of 38 C. It also issued an orange alert for Taipei, New Taipei, Changhua County, Nantou County, Tainan, and Kaohsiung for a third consecutive day of 36 C weather.

The CWA released a yellow heat advisory for Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung, Chiayi, Chiayi County, and Hualien County. It predicted the temperatures in those areas would reach 36 C.

At 10:30 a.m., the weather bureau observed that the weather station in Taipei's Shezi neighborhood had recorded a high of 38.5 C. At 12:05 p.m., a high temperature of 38 C was recorded in Yunlin County's Dounan Township.

CWA forecaster Chao Hung (趙竑), was cited by ETtoday as saying skies would be mostly cloudy to clear, with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms due to the heat. Mountain areas may experience sudden heavy downpours, with significant rain expected in Greater Taipei and central lowland areas. 

Chao said in the evening, any afternoon thunderstorms will gradually diminish. Due to southwesterly winds and the convergence of sea and land breezes, there may be brief showers or thunderstorms along coastal areas of central and southern Taiwan, as well as southeastern Taiwan in the evening. 

On Sunday (June 23), Chao said afternoon showers in Greater Taipei and central Taiwan may extend to the plains. On Monday and Tuesday (June 24-25), Chao predicted the intensity of a Pacific high-pressure system will slightly weaken, leading to widespread afternoon showers. 

In central Taiwan and areas north, the east, mountainous regions in the south, and nearby plains may be affected, especially in north-central Taiwan, where localized heavy rain could occur.