Scorching heat continues; highs of 38°C possible in New Taipei

Taipei, Aug. 30 (CNA) Scorching weather continued to persist across Taiwan on Saturday, with daytime temperatures in New Taipei possibly reaching 38 degrees Celsius, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Highs in most areas will range between 32 and 36 degrees, with Greater Taipei and areas near mountainous regions in central and southern Taiwan likely to see above 36 degrees, the CWA said.

A red heat alert, indicating highs of 38 degrees on consecutive days, was in effect for New Taipei, while an orange heat alert-signifying highs of 38 degrees for one day or 36 degrees for three straight days-was issued for Taipei, Taoyuan, and Changhua County.

In the afternoon, brief localized thunderstorms are expected south of Taoyuan, with heavy downpours possible.

In Taiwan's outlying islands, including Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, daytime highs are expected to range between 31 and 33 degrees, the CWA added.

Meanwhile, the CWA said a tropical depression in the South China Sea strengthened into Tropical Storm Nongfa at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

CWA forecaster Chang Cheng-chuan (張承傳) said the storm is not expected to have any direct impact on Taiwan, as it is forecast to move west-northwest toward Vietnam.

Based on the latest European forecast models, independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said other tropical systems are likely to be active in the waters east of Taiwan next week, as the northwestern Pacific remains in its peak typhoon season.

Wu added that from Sunday to Friday, skies across Taiwan are expected to be mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with brief localized afternoon showers possible in eastern Taiwan and Pingtung County.