Taitung warned of temperatures over 36°C Thursday due to foehn winds

Taipei, July 16 (CNA) Daytime temperatures in Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan are expected to soar on Thursday as foehn winds descend into the southeastern county, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The CWA issued a "yellow" heat advisory for Taitung, saying foehn winds -- warm, dry winds that descend the leeward side of mountains -- are expected to send temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius.

"Yellow" heat alerts have also been issued for Miaoli County in northern Taiwan, Taichung City and Nantou County in central Taiwan, as well as Chiayi and Kaohsiung cities and Pingtung County in the south.

Meanwhile, an "orange" heat alert remains in effect for Taipei and New Taipei in the north, Changhua County in central Taiwan, Yunlin and Chiayi counties and Tainan City in the south, as well as Hualien County in the east, warning of temperatures over 36 degrees for three consecutive days.

The CWA warned of high ultraviolet radiation levels, particularly around midday Thursday, and advised the public to stay hydrated and take precautions against heatstroke.

Although sunny weather is expected to prevail over the next few days, some afternoon showers may fall in the greater Taipei area and mountainous regions of western Taiwan by Saturday, the CWA said, adding that it would issue a heavy rain advisory later on Thursday if necessary.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) has forecast that the moisture levels will decrease from July 21 through July 25, and the weather conditions will stabilize, as the southeasterly winds weaken and a Pacific high-pressure system strengthens.