Taiwan Braces for a Potentially Drier Plum Rain Season

Central Weather Administration Predicts Rainfall Slightly Below Average for the Coming Months

Taipei, Taiwan - Residents of Taiwan can anticipate a shift in weather patterns as the island prepares for the upcoming plum rain season. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has released its seasonal forecast, suggesting a slightly drier-than-usual period over the next three months, from April to June.

The CWA's late March forecast indicates that the primary rainfall belt is likely to extend from the Philippines to the northwestern Pacific, positioning Taiwan outside of this core zone. This geographical positioning is a key factor in the prediction of below-average rainfall for the region.

While the CWA anticipates that rainfall will mostly fall within a normal range, recent climate models suggest a potential dip below average. However, the administration emphasizes the increased uncertainty associated with weather predictions during the spring and plum rain seasons, urging caution in interpreting these forecasts.

April is a month known for rapid weather transitions. The CWA highlights the weakening of northern continental high-pressure systems and the concurrent strengthening of the Pacific high-pressure system to the south as typical indicators of these dynamic shifts.

May and June will mark the onset of the plum rain season in Taiwan. This period is typically characterized by stationary frontal systems hovering near the island, often bringing with them thunderstorms and gusty winds. The CWA notes that the weather patterns can change drastically.

Regarding temperature, April and May are expected to experience near-normal conditions. However, June is projected to be warmer than the seasonal average, according to the CWA.