TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Central Weather Administration (CWA) meteorologist Kuan Hsin-ping (官欣平) said from Monday to Saturday (July 15-20), the Greater Taipei area and central and southern Taiwan are likely to experience highs above 37 C.

The high temperatures are due to a stationary high-pressure system and warm air mass. Kuan told CNA the coming week will see clear skies, though mountainous areas could experience heavy rain in the afternoon.

According to the CWA, high temperatures reported on Sunday (July 14) included 38.4 C in Pingtung County’s Sandimen, 38.3 C in New Taipei’s Sanxia District, and 38 C in Miaoli County’s Houlong Township.

According to Kuan, a loosely formed tropical depression system formed in the South China Sea though its likely path is toward Vietnam where it is expected to make landfall. Kuan said weather modeling shows the sea to the east of the Philippines is suitable for the development of tropical depressions in the next two weeks, requiring more observation.

However, the high-pressure system near Taiwan will make it difficult for tropical depressions to affect the country.