Temperature is rising; hitting new summer highs

The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) yesterday recorded a high of 37.7 degrees Celsius -- the hottest temperature so far this summer.

The mercury soared in Taipei City to reach the record-high at 2:08 p.m., making this July 20 the ninth hottest day in the capital city's history.

According to the CWB, Taipei's highest historic temperature for July was 38.6 C, recorded in 1921.

The northern port city of Keelung also surpassed 37 degrees Celsius around noon, the CWB reported.

Other Taiwan areas had milder temperatures ranging between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius due to the effects of a high-pressure front from the Pacific Ocean.

While the front is expected to stabilize the weather in most of the island by lowering the possibility of rain, central and southern mountainous areas will still see sporadic rain and thunderstorms, said the CWB.

Temperatures in the northern area of the island will remain high between 27 to 37 degrees Celsius today and gradually decrease starting tomorrow and until next Friday to range between 26 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Intermittent showers and thunderstorms are expected to start Tuesday and continue until Friday in northern and central parts of the island.

Central and southern areas will also experience high temperatures of 27 to 35 degrees Celsius today and tomorrow. Central temperatures will stay within the 26 to 35 degrees Celsius range during the work week.

Temperatures in the south are expected to decrease by Tuesday to between 27 and 34 degrees Celsius, and remain at that range for the rest of the work week, according to the CWB.

Due to the elevated temperatures, the CWB advised the public to wear sun screen and take the necessary precautions to avoid heat strokes.