More relief from the drought is on the way, which could lead to easing the ban on irrigation. Another plum rain front is approaching Taiwan. Forecasters say the front will start moving in this weekend, bringing downpours to central and southern Taiwan. By next Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be a chance of heavy rains islandwide.

Lin Ping-yu
Forecaster
By Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll start getting the frontal effects. According to our latest data, the structure of this front is quite complete. Those on the west coast and northeast region should pay special attention when the front arrives, because it could bring short bursts of intense rainfall, and sporadic rounds of heavy rain. And if there is small-scale or medium-scale convection when the front hits us, we could get extremely heavy rain.

Forecasters expect the coming round of rains will help areas still struggling with drought. Since the start of May, plum rains have replenished many of Taiwan''s reservoirs, particularly Taoyuan''s Shihmen 石門Reservoir and the Baoshan Second Reservoir in Hsinchu. But supplies remain tight in some areas north of Taichung, with Kaohsiung Agongdian 阿公店 Reservoir at less than 10% capacity. Water resource authorities will meet next week to discuss adjustments to drought restrictions. If next week''s rainfall hits forecasts, they may lift the ban on irrigation.