A varied climate
Taiwan's climate, subtropical in the north and tropical in the south, remains warmer than that of mainland China, as the island is bathed by the Kuroshio current from Japan. Winter temperatures are therefore mild in the western plains, with a minimum of 10°C in the north and 20°C in the south (the Hengchung region is nicknamed "the province of eternal spring"). However, the higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures from November to March. This poses a problem for slope crops in the foothills, such as tea and citrus, which can be completely destroyed by overnight frost. In the alpine regions (above 1,500 m), snowfall is high enough to allow a ski season on Mount Hohuan (3,416 m), in the center of the island, from late December to February. Summer is fairly stifling, especially in Taipei, which lies in a basin where the air stagnates. From June onwards, the warm flow that accompanies the monsoon tends to balance out temperatures, which average over 20°C, reaching 27°C from June to August, with maximums that can exceed 39°C. The monsoon brings with it typhoons, which strike the island three to four times a year on average. Although they cause immense material damage, they also contribute to the island's ecological balance, as they feed the water reserves to a large extent. On the other hand, this phenomenon explains the uneven redistribution of rainfall across the island. Nevertheless, rainfall remains high, averaging 2,500 mm per year (maximum: 5,600 mm). The north of the island is a little different, as oceanic winds regularly bring rain and the weather can change from one hour to the next. On the other hand, the presence of the Kuroshio and the high humidity ensure a climate conducive to the development of lush flora.
Typhoons and earthquakes
Taiwan is geographically located in a high-risk area, both seismically and meteorologically. Located in the subtropical zone of trade winds and typhoons, Taiwan is affected from May to September by torrential rains, which often cause dramatic flooding, and which can develop into typhoons or hurricanes. In August 2009, the entire island, and especially its southern tip, was hit by typhoon Morakot, leaving behind several hundred victims and more than $3 billion in material damage. Faced with the scale of the disaster, the slow deployment of emergency rescue teams drew the wrath of public opinion on the then President, Ma Ying-jeou, who publicly apologized for his actions. In addition to deadly typhoons, since the beginning of the 20th century the island has also experienced some twenty earthquakes measuring over 7 on the Richter scale.
That's why the Taiwanese government, in cooperation with American scientists, has set up a project called Dotstar to study areas at risk. Highly effective in preventing cyclones and hurricanes, Dotstar takes readings of temperature, humidity, pressure and other data, which are transmitted in real time to the national meteorological office. However, the prevention of earthquakes is highly uncertain, if not impossible. Like the ones that surprised the population of the east of the country in April 2024.
A few precautions in the event of an alert
More predictable, typhoons are usually announced a few days in advance on the government website: www.cwb.gov.tw. In the event of an alert, there's no need to worry, but you should remain cautious and take a few precautions, such as checking the localities in the alert zone and ensuring the condition of your home by consolidating it, caulking doors and windows and removing any objects hanging outside. You should also turn off gas appliances and take the necessary equipment to cope with water and electricity cuts and supply difficulties: battery-powered transistors, drinking water, food and fuel for a few days, lamps, candles, matches.
In the regions affected by the typhoon, it is advisable to avoid the seashore, flood zones and landslide areas, and to keep away from downed electrical wires that could cause electrocution. Impressively, wind and rain come to a halt as the typhoon passes through its center. This spectacular interruption (no more wind, no more noise, a strange feeling of emptiness), which lasts the time it takes to pass through the eye of the cyclone, is only momentary, so avoid leaving your home as the storm resumes after a short lull.
