Mercury in parts of Taiwan to exceed 36°C Monday; tropical storm forms

Taipei, June 23 (CNA) The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued heat alerts for eight counties and cities around Taiwan on Monday, including the capital Taipei, warning temperatures in those places could rise to 36 degrees Celsius or higher.

Meanwhile, the weather agency said a tropical depression located over the sea south of Japan strengthened into a tropical storm at 8 a.m. to become the second tropical storm over the western North Pacific this year.

The CWA projected the storm, named Sepat, will move in a northwesterly direction toward Japan, and have no direct impact on Taiwan.

While forecasting hot weather will persist across Taiwan on Monday, the CWA issued an orange heat advisory for Yunlin County, Kaohsiung and Pingtung County, indicating a high likelihood of consecutive days with temperatures above 36°C.

Taipei, New Taipei, Changhua County, Tainan and Hualien County are under a yellow alert, indicating a chance of temperatures reaching 36°C, the CWA said.

The agency advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, take sun protection measures, stay well-hydrated, and be vigilant against heat-related illnesses.