Taipei has set a new September heat record, experiencing 19 days with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. This September heat record marks a significant shift in the island’s weather patterns and raises concerns about the ongoing impacts of climate change. According to the Central Weather Administration, this milestone reflects an unusually warm month for Taiwan.
The average temperature for September reached 28.8 degrees Celsius, ranking as the third-highest monthly average since temperature records began. This figure is 1.3 degrees above the usual climate norm of 27.5 degrees Celsius. Only two previous years recorded warmer Septembers, demonstrating how rare this heat intensity is.
In addition to Taipei, other monitoring stations, including Pengjia Islet, Keelung, and Tamsui, also reported record-high temperatures. These widespread increases emphasize that the heat wave was not isolated but affected multiple parts of Taiwan.
Rainfall during the month was unevenly distributed. The island saw mostly cloudy to sunny conditions with scattered afternoon showers in the west and mountainous areas. Early in the month, southern cloud systems influenced the weather, while mid-month rain resulted from Tropical Storm Mitag’s outer circulation.
Later in the month, Typhoon Ragasa struck eastern Taiwan, bringing heavy and sustained rainfall. Overall, the island received 272.2 millimeters of rain, which is slightly above the average 249.6 millimeters for September. However, the number of rainy days dropped to an average of 10.4, fewer than the usual 12.7 days.
The Central Weather Administration based its findings on data from 11 lowland stations, including Taipei, Keelung, Taichung, Tainan, Hualien, and Taitung. These data points offer a clear insight into the changing climate trends Taiwan faces.
Experts warn that the September heat record signals growing challenges for public health, agriculture, and energy use. Authorities stress the importance of adapting to more frequent and severe heatwaves. Meanwhile, the government plans to improve weather forecasting and issue timely alerts to help mitigate heat-related risks.
This September heat record highlights Taiwan’s vulnerability to climate change. It serves as a reminder that the island must prepare for more extreme weather conditions. The coming months will reveal whether this heat trend continues, but for now, the record underscores a pressing need for climate action.
