Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Forecast for Taiwan on April 25, 2024

Taiwan is preparing for a day of substantial rainfall and thunderstorms on Friday, April 25, 2024, as a weather front sweeps across the island. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued a heavy rain advisory, warning of short-duration intense rainfall for mountainous areas in the north and east, central areas, and most of southern Taiwan.

According to the CWA, the western half and northeastern parts of Taiwan can expect sporadic showers and heavy rain, which will continue until Sunday and be most substantial on Friday. Central and southern regions may potentially see heavy or extremely heavy rain. Temperatures are expected to hover between lows of 23-25 degrees Celsius and highs of 26-28 degrees.

The CWA also warned of low cloud affecting visibility in the early morning on Friday and Saturday in the outlying Matsu islands. The public is urged to avoid activities in mountainous areas due to the risk of rockfalls or landslides following recent frequent aftershocks from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Hualien on April 3.

Why this matters: The heavy rainfall and potential for landslides pose significant risks to public safety and infrastructure in Taiwan. The CWA's warnings and advisories are essential for residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the developing weather situation.

Weather models predict that the heaviest rainfall will occur from Thursday evening to Saturday, April 25-27, with central and southern Taiwan, including mountainous areas, expected to see substantial amounts of rain. Temperatures in the north and northeast are expected to be slightly cooler, with highs ranging between 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, while other areas will see highs between 27 to 31 degrees Celsius.

On Wednesday, a weather front brought heavy rainfall across western Taiwan, with the highest accumulation of 160 millimeters recorded on Henglong Mountain in Miaoli. Widespread flooding and a fallen tree that briefly halted traffic were also reported.

Meteorologists estimate that western and northeast Taiwan will experience heavy rain for five days from Wednesday, April 24 to Sunday, April 28. "Due to recent earthquakes, it is strongly advised not to go into mountainous areas or disaster zones," the CWA stated in its advisory.

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan to face heavy rain, thunderstorms on April 25-27, 2024.
• Central and southern regions may see heavy or extremely heavy rain.
• Risks of rockfalls, landslides due to recent earthquakes, avoid mountainous areas.
• Temperatures to range from 23-31°C, with north and northeast cooler.
• Weather front brought heavy rain, flooding, and fallen trees on April 24.