Scorching heat, localized shower forecast in Taiwan on Saturday

Taipei, Oct. 4 (CNA) The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued heat advisories for multiple regions across Taiwan on Saturday, with highs of 38 degrees Celsius forecast for Taipei and New Taipei.

A "red" heat advisory was issued for New Taipei, warning of maximum temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days, and a high of up to 38 degrees was also forecast for Taipei on Saturday, the CWA said.

Meanwhile, Taichung was warned of highs of at least 36 degrees for three days in a row, and a high of 36 degrees or higher was also expected on Saturday in Taoyuan, Tainan and Changhua and Pingtung counties.

As Tropical Storm Matmo passes south of Taiwan on Saturday, brief showers are forecast for eastern Taiwan's Hualien and Taitung counties and the Hengchun Peninsula, accompanied by strong winds that could generate waves of up to three meters, the CWA cautioned.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said highs of 37-38 degrees are expected in northern Taiwan through Monday due to a strong Pacific high-pressure system.

Wu also predicted high UV levels around noon for the next three days and advised the public to use sun protection and stay hydrated.

As of 8 a.m. Saturday, Matmo was located about 650 kilometers southwest of Cape Eluanbi, moving west-northwest at 23 kilometers per hour, heading towards Hainan Island, China, according to CWA data.

The CWA is expecting Matmo to strengthen into a typhoon but says it will not impact Taiwan.