Weather bureau forecasts slightly drier plum rain season

Taipei, April 4 (CNA) Taiwan is expected to experience slightly drier-than-usual weather over the next three months as it transitions into the plum rain season, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

In its seasonal forecast released in late March, the CWA said the primary rainfall belt from April to June will likely stretch from the Philippines to the northwestern Pacific, with Taiwan outside of that belt.

Though Taiwan's rainfall is forecast to be mostly within a normal range, recent climate models suggest that it could fall below average, the CWA said, but it cautioned that weather predictions for the spring and plum rain seasons tend to have higher degrees of uncertainty.

According to the CWA, rapid changes in weather patterns are typical in April, during which northern continental high-pressure systems weaken while the Pacific high-pressure system to the south begins to strengthen.

May and June mark the start of Taiwan's plum rain season, which is characterized by stationary frontal systems lingering near the island, it said, adding that those systems often bring thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Temperature-wise, April and May are expected to see near-normal conditions, while June is projected to be warmer than average, the CWA said.