Taiwan Experiences Severe Rain and Thunderstorms Ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

The Central Weather Bureau has issued heavy rain advisories for 12 counties and cities and severe thunderstorm warnings for four regions as Taiwan braces for unstable weather during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival weekend, with forecasters warning of afternoon downpours and heat-induced storms.

According to the bureau, the 12 areas under heavy rain alerts include:

• Taipei City
• New Taipei City
• Taoyuan
• Taichung
• Tainan
• Kaohsiung
• Yilan
• Hualien
• Taitung
• Pingtung
• Penghu
• Kinmen

Four regions—Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Yilan—are under severe thunderstorm warnings, with the bureau citing a stationary front over northern Taiwan and persistent southwest winds as the primary triggers. "The front remains nearly stationary off the northern coast, while the southwest monsoon brings warm, moist air inland," said bureau meteorologist Chen Wei-chun. "This combination fuels both heavy rain and sudden thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening."

Why the weather matters
The forecast aligns with the tail end of Taiwan’s rainy season, which officially concluded on June 10, though residual monsoon activity persists. Public Television (PTV) meteorologists noted that while the front has weakened, lingering moisture and heat—with temperatures hovering around 34°C (93°F) in Taipei—will still spark localized storms. "The risk of flash flooding and lightning strikes remains elevated, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas," Chen added.

What to expect over the weekend

• Friday (June 20): Scattered showers in the morning, with thunderstorms developing by afternoon. Rainfall could exceed 50mm in some areas.
• Saturday (June 21, Dragon Boat Festival): Highest risk of severe weather, including hail and gusty winds, particularly in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taichung. The bureau advises residents to monitor local alerts.
• Sunday (June 22): Storms may persist in the south, with Pingtung and Taitung seeing the heaviest rainfall.

Safety precautions
The National Fire Agency has urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms, secure loose objects, and stay clear of flood-prone areas. "Last year’s Dragon Boat Festival saw 17 flood-related incidents, mostly due to sudden downpours," said agency spokesperson Lin Mei-ling. Authorities also recommend checking drainage systems and avoiding wading in swollen rivers.

How the forecast compares to past years
Historical data from the Central Weather Bureau shows that 2026’s Dragon Boat Festival weather mirrors patterns from 2022, when Taipei recorded 68mm of rain in a single afternoon. However, this year’s front is less intense, reducing the risk of prolonged downpours. "The key difference is the shorter duration of heavy rain this time," said Chen. "Storms will be more sporadic but potentially more intense."

What comes next
The bureau will issue hourly updates via its official website and emergency alert system. Residents in warned areas are advised to:

• Charge electronic devices in case of power outages.
• Keep emergency kits stocked with water, non-perishable food, and flashlights.
• Follow local government advisories for evacuation routes if flooding occurs.

For real-time conditions, visit the Central Weather Bureau’s official page or download the "Taiwan Weather" app.