The Central Weather Administration (CWA) yesterday issued heat warnings for much of Taiwan for today, forecasting highs of up to 36°C ahead of Tropical Storm Mekkhala’s closest approach to the nation on Thursday.
Orange heat alerts, indicating temperatures of 36°C or higher for three consecutive days, were issued for Taipei, New Taipei City, Tainan, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Pingtung County and Hualien County, the CWA said.
Yellow heat alerts, warning of highs reaching 36°C on at least one day, were issued for Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Keelung City and Chiayi County.
Photo: CNA
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Mekkhala, which is expected to strengthen into a typhoon last night or this morning, is expected to make its closest approach to Taiwan on Thursday.
Under the influence of the storm’s outer cloud systems, western and northeastern Taiwan might experience scattered showers and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday, while other parts of the country are likely to see localized afternoon showers, CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng (劉沛滕) said.
The extent and intensity of the rainfall would depend on the storm’s eventual track and distance from Taiwan, he added.
As of yesterday afternoon, Mekkhala was about 1,310km east-southeast of Oluanpi (鵝鑾鼻), Taiwan’s southernmost point, and was moving westward at 24km per hour, Liu said.
Forecasts show the storm turning north on Wednesday and passing through waters east of Taiwan, though its exact track remains uncertain, he added.
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