Taipei: The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued warnings of extreme weather conditions in Taiwan, forecasting temperatures to soar up to 36 degrees Celsius while predicting heavy rainfall in the southwestern regions due to ongoing unstable weather patterns this week.

According to Focus Taiwan, the CWA has announced an orange heat alert for Taipei and New Taipei, cautioning that temperatures might hit 38 degrees Celsius on Wednesday or consistently surpass 36 degrees over three consecutive days. Meanwhile, a yellow heat alert is in effect for Taoyuan, Changhua, Hualien, and Taitung counties, with anticipated highs of 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. These heat alerts are expected to remain active until 5 p.m.

By 1:42 p.m. on Wednesday, the highest temperatures recorded were 36.9 degrees Celsius in Xindian District, New Taipei, 36.2 degrees in Luye Township, Taitung County, and 36.0 degrees in other areas of New Taipei and Taitung. The CWA has also issued a heavy rain advisory, warning that southwesterly winds might lead to short-duration downpours in Chiayi City and County, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, and the Hengchun Peninsula.

Additionally, a strong wind advisory is in place for Green Island, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County, with expectations of sustained winds between 41-51 kilometers per hour and gusts ranging from 63-75 kilometers per hour through Wednesday evening.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong highlighted that European weather models predict persistent southwesterly winds bringing moisture from the South China Sea until Friday, maintaining unstable atmospheric conditions. Southwestern Taiwan's windward areas are likely to experience intermittent rainfall through Friday, with central and northern regions facing localized afternoon thunderstorms potentially causing heavier rainfall. Despite rainy intervals, high daytime temperatures will persist, particularly in eastern and parts of central and northern Taiwan.

From Saturday through August 21, seasonal winds are expected to weaken, giving way to a broad low-pressure system near Taiwan, leading to frequent afternoon convective storms, which could result in lightning, strong winds, and intense short-term rainfall. Wu advised the public to stay updated with short-term weather advisories.

Meanwhile, the CWA reported that Tropical Storm Nangka developed at 8 a.m. on Wednesday south of Iwo Jima, evolving from a tropical depression. The storm is projected to move northeast and is not expected to impact Taiwan. Additionally, Typhoon Chan-hom has downgraded to a tropical depression, and Tropical Storm Peilou continues to move away from Taiwan, posing no threat to the island.