Taiwan is grappling with its wettest plum rain season in over a decade, marked by unprecedented rainfall levels since 2012, and a record-breaking downpour in Taipei throughout June. The Central Weather Administration reports that the period spanning May to June saw an island-wide average rainfall of 609.9 millimeters, significantly surpassing the historical norm of 440.7 millimeters. This excessive rainfall has been attributed to persistent weather fronts, robust southwesterly airflows, and the impact of a tropical storm.
The southern regions of Taiwan bore the brunt of these torrential rains, with some locales receiving between 400 and 800 millimeters in just the first half of June. Notably, areas within Pingtung County experienced almost 1,000 millimeters of rain over a mere three days. Meanwhile, Taipei shattered its previous June rainfall records by accumulating 870.5 millimeters during the month, the highest figure since official record-keeping commenced in 1897.
As Taiwan braces for the coming months, weather officials forecast that temperatures will remain within the normal to above-normal range until September, while rainfall is expected to align closely with seasonal averages. Additionally, authorities anticipate the passage of three to five tropical storms or typhoons near Taiwan in the latter half of the year. The emergence of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean could further intensify these storms, as warmer ocean waters provide them with more time to grow stronger before reaching the region.
With Taiwan’s typhoon season officially starting on July 1, new coastal wave warning measures are being implemented to enhance public safety during severe weather events. These developments come as the nation prepares to navigate the challenges posed by a potentially storm-laden season, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather conditions.