High temperatures of 36°C in Tainan and Kaohsiung with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the Meiyu front will affect northern, central, and eastern Taiwan.

On May 3, 2025, temperatures in Tainan and Kaohsiung soared to 36°C, leading the Central Weather Bureau to issue a yellow heat warning, urging precautions against heat-related harm. In the afternoon, thunderstorms were observed across Taiwan, with noticeable rainfall in Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula. Starting May 4, the Meiyu front will impact Taiwan, bringing short-lived showers or thunderstorms to the northern, central, and eastern parts, while the southern region will be mostly cloudy with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. From May 6 onward, a second front will approach, leading to unstable weather conditions across the island, with caution advised for lightning and strong gusts.

High Temperatures in the South: Tainan and Kaohsiung Reach 36°C

Today (May 3), around noon, temperatures in Tainan and Kaohsiung soared to 36°C. The Central Weather Administration issued a yellow heat alert for these areas, advising the public to avoid prolonged sun exposure and strenuous activities. In the western regions, temperatures generally ranged between 30 to 33°C, while the southern areas near the mountains experienced even higher temperatures due to topography and wind patterns. In the eastern regions, temperatures were between 28 to 29°C, which, although slightly lower, still felt stuffy without rainfall.

During the night and early morning, temperatures in the northern and Yilan regions were about 21 to 23°C, while other areas ranged from 23 to 25°C. Although the overall temperature variation was not significant, the day-night temperature difference still requires attention.

Afternoon Thunderstorms Develop Strongly: Significant Rain in Hualien, Taitung, and Mountain Areas

Due to the afternoon heat and increased moisture, thunderstorms began to appear in various regions after noon today. The Hualien and Taitung areas, along with the Hengchun Peninsula, being the windward side of the southeast wind, experienced more frequent rainfall, accompanied by localized heavy rain. In the central and northern regions, sporadic short showers occurred from early morning to late morning, shifting to thunderstorms in the afternoon, with significant rain in the mountainous areas.

The Weather Bureau advises that afternoon thunderstorms may continue until evening or even nighttime. It is recommended to carry rain gear when going out and be aware of the risks of short-term heavy rain and sudden lightning strikes.

Meiyu Front Arrives on May 4: Wetter Conditions in Northern, Central, and Eastern Regions

Starting May 4 (Thursday), the first wave of the Meiyu front will quickly pass through Taiwan, leading to unstable weather. The northern, central, and eastern regions, as well as the Hengchun Peninsula and outlying islands like Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, will experience localized short showers or thunderstorms. The southern regions will mainly be cloudy, but there is still a possibility of localized thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The Weather Bureau notes that during the passage of the front, localized areas may experience strong convective development, accompanied by lightning and strong gusts, requiring special attention.

Second Wave of Fronts from May 6: More Unstable Weather Across Taiwan

From May 6 (Saturday), the second wave of fronts will approach Taiwan, causing the environment to become unstable again. Localized short showers or thunderstorms are likely in various regions, especially in the afternoon, with higher chances of rain in mountainous and windward areas. The Weather Bureau reminds that during the influence of the front, convective cloud systems may develop strongly, possibly accompanied by lightning, strong gusts, and even short-term heavy rain.

In terms of temperature, due to the rain, daytime high temperatures will slightly decrease, but it will still feel warm to hot when there is no rain. High temperatures in the north will be around 22 to 30°C, while in the central and southern regions, they will range from 23 to 32°C, and in the eastern and southeastern regions, about 23 to 30°C.

Air Quality and Visibility Advisory

Under the influence of a high-pressure system today, the wind field is from the east to southeast, causing pollutants to easily accumulate in the western regions, with afternoon photochemical reactions increasing ozone levels. According to the Environmental Protection Administration's air quality forecast, the air quality in the Hualien and Taitung regions is rated as "Good," while the northern, Hsinchu-Miaoli, central, Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan, Kaohsiung-Pingtung, Yilan, and Penghu regions are rated as "Moderate." Matsu and Kinmen have reached the "Orange Alert" level.

Additionally, from early morning to late morning in the central and southern regions and Matsu, as well as tonight to early morning in Kinmen and Matsu, localized fog or low clouds may affect visibility, requiring special attention for driving and island transportation.

High temperatures of 36°C in Tainan and Kaohsiung with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the Meiyu front will affect northern, central, and eastern Taiwan.

Key Updates

Taiwan Weekly Weather Update: After the Meiyu front passes, the weather will turn sunny, and temperatures will rise to 33 degrees Celsius.

Weekly Weather Forecast for Keelung City: Rainy at the start of the week, clearing up and becoming sunny by midweek, ideal for outdoor activities.

Taiwan's Weekly Weather Forecast: Cool nights in the northern region, damp and chilly in the eastern region, hot and humid days in the central and southern regions, strong winds expected in Penghu over the weekend.

Weekly Weather Forecast for the North: Frequent afternoon thundershowers, weather will clear up as the northeast wind weakens.

Taiwan Weekly Weather Forecast: from May 3 to 9, variable weather throughout the island, with a high chance of rain in the eastern regions and outlying islands.