TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The mercury soared to nearly 40 C in New Taipei on Monday (Sept. 2) and heat alerts were issued for 16 counties and cities.

Several weather stations in Taipei and New Taipei recorded temperatures exceeding 37.7 C with the highest in New Taipei's Sanxia District at 1:20 p.m., reaching 39.9 C. The next highest temperatures were 38.2 C in Taoyuan and 38.1 C at National Taiwan University in Taipei and New Taipei's Wugu District.

At 2:38 p.m., the Central Weather Administration issued 11 orange alerts and five yellow warnings for cities and counties across Taiwan. An orange heat advisory for the daily maximum temperature reaching 38 C was issued for Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan.

An orange heat warning for the daily maximum temperature reaching 36 C for three straight days was issued for Hsinchu County, Changhua County, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, Yilan County, Hualien County, and Taitung County. Residents are advised to take extra precautions such as avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities, protecting themselves from the sun, staying hydrated, and keeping indoor areas cool and well-ventilated.

A yellow heat alert for temperatures expected to reach 36 C was announced for Keelung, Miaoli County, Taichung, Yunlin County, and Chiayi County.