TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Persistent heavy rain in parts of south Taiwan forced several regions to keep offices and schools closed over the weekend amid the risk of landslides and flooding, reports said Saturday.

Since Typhoon Danas caused widespread damage around July 6, torrential rain has continued to lash areas including Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Conditions have been severe enough for local governments to order closures, a measure typically reserved for typhoons and tropical storms.

On Sunday, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Chiayi County will shut all schools and offices, according to the latest update from the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration. Pingtung has announced closures in nine townships so far.

At least three rainfall monitoring stations recorded their highest-ever July rainfall totals since being established, per Liberty Times. In Taitung’s Nanhui area, 1,851.5 millimeters of rain fell — the highest July figure in 86 years. Sun Moon Lake recorded 1,297 mm, and Chenggong in Taitung saw 979 mm. Both monitoring stations were launched in 1940.

The Central Weather Administration said extremely heavy rain advisories for areas from Changhua to Pingtung and Taitung would remain in effect through Sunday morning. The mountainous areas of Pingtung were under the most severe category: extremely torrential rain.

While north Taiwan avoided the worst of the weather, afternoon thundershowers persisted. On Friday and Saturday, the rain was heavy enough to temporarily halt ground operations at Taipei Songshan Airport.

Forecasters said the southwest monsoon is expected to weaken starting Aug. 5, while a Pacific high-pressure system will strengthen, per CNA. North Taiwan may still see thundershowers, but sunnier weather is likely from Aug. 6–7.