Taiwan's capital Taipei sweltered under a scorching 39.7 °C (103.5 °F) on Friday afternoon, July 24, 2020, marking the city's hottest temperature since records began in 1896.
According to the Central Weather Bureau, the record-setting temperature was registered at 14:19 LT (06:19 UTC). The previous record for Taipei was 38.9 °C (102 °F), set just last month, June 29.
Friday's scorching temperature was caused by strong, high-pressure atmospheric conditions over the tropical Pacific Ocean, combined with impacts from southwestern winds from southern China, the weather bureau explained.
The heat is trapped in the Taipei basin under a dome, leading to heatwaves.
In addition, the bureau said Taiwan will likely have no typhoon in the month of July, for the first time in 70 years.
The country's hottest temperature was recorded in Taitung City on the east coast on May 9, 2004, at 40.2 °C (104.4 °F).
Today was the hottest day ever in Taipei at 39.7 degrees. The record breaking temperatures were hottest in the middle of the city. Out in Nangang it was only 36, didn’t feel much different than any other day. pic.twitter.com/lv5AoHMPG7
— Foreigners in Taiwan (@foreignersinTW) July 24, 2020
Featured image credit: 葉 正道 Ben/Flickr
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