TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The highest temperature of the year so far, 40.1 C, was recorded in the Taitung County township of Luye Saturday (June 15).
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) declared high temperature warnings for 11 cities and counties, including the densely populated areas of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
Luye reached a peak of 40.1 C at 2:18 p.m., per CNA. Another Taitung County township, Taimali, sweltered under a high of 40 C at 1:36 p.m. Three other locations recording temperatures above 39 C were also located in the county.
The CWA attributed the highs to the “Foehn wind,” when air loses its moisture while climbing on the windward side of the mountains and descends on the leeward side while heating up. Taitung County is known for the phenomenon, which occurs even when typhoons are lashing the rest of Taiwan.
For Sunday (June 16), an orange alert would apply to Taitung County, meaning at least three consecutive days of highs of at least 36 C. Hualien County was listed for a yellow alert, indicating a one-day high of 36 C.