CWA warns of heavy rain as Taiwan enters active plum rain period

Taipei, June 7 (CNA) Heavy rain is expected to affect parts of Taiwan next week, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) warned on Sunday, as a meteorologist said it has entered the active part of the annual rainy period known as "plum rain" season.

According to the CWA, a front and southwesterly winds will bring unstable weather and abundant moisture to Taiwan from Monday through mid-June, with the heaviest rainfall forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The agency said western and northeastern Taiwan, and mountainous areas in the east and southeast could see showers or thunderstorms on those two days, with localized heavy rain possible.

Other parts of Taiwan are also expected to experience brief showers or thunderstorms during that period, the CWA said.

Rainfall is forecast to ease somewhat on Thursday as the front shifts southward, though central and southern Taiwan could still see scattered showers and thunderstorms, it said.

The front is expected to move north again between Friday and Saturday, bringing another increase in moisture. Western Taiwan and mountainous areas in the eastern region could again experience heavy rain during the latter part of next week, according to the agency.

The CWA defines heavy rain as accumulated rainfall of at least 80 millimeters within 24 hours or 40 mm within one hour.

Meanwhile, independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said Taiwan is expected to enter a typically active plum rain season from Monday to June 16.

He warned there could be severe weather, including lightning, strong winds, intense downpours and potentially disaster-causing rainfall.