Rain forecast for northern, eastern Taiwan on Thursday

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) Eastern Taiwan and areas north of Taoyuan will see showers on Thursday as seasonal northeasterly winds strengthen, while other parts of the country will remain mostly cloudy to sunny, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Mountainous areas south of Chiayi County can also expect brief afternoon showers, the CWA said.

On Thursday, daytime temperatures will rise to highs of 29-30 degrees Celsius in areas north of Taoyuan, and 31-32 degrees in regions south of Hsinchu County, the CWA said.

However, the mercury will drop sharply at night across the country to 22-24 degrees, the CWA said, reminding the public to be mindful of the large temperature difference.

As seasonal northeasterly winds strengthen, heavier rain may be expected on the north coast and in northeastern Taiwan on Friday, according to the CWA.

The rain in eastern Taiwan and areas north of Taoyuan will continue on Friday, while other parts of the island will be mostly cloudy, with some afternoon showers in Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, and mountainous areas of the country, the CWA forecast.

Over the weekend, brief showers can be expected along the north coast, in the Greater Taipei area and eastern Taiwan, and on the Hengchun Peninsula in the south, while other areas will be mostly cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers, the CWA said.

From next Monday through Wednesday, brief showers are likely in the Greater Taipei area, eastern Taiwan and on the Hengchun Peninsula, the CWA said.

Other parts of the island will see sunny skies with afternoon showers, it said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on Thursday issued an "orange alert" for central and southern Taiwan, warning of "unhealthy" air quality for vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.

The air quality was "good" in eastern Taiwan and "normal" in northern Taiwan on Thursday, according to the MOENV.