Taiwan considers school and work closures for extreme heat

台灣研議因極端高溫停班停課

Higher temperatures pose health risk for many classes of workers


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An amendment to the Meteorological Act proposes classifying “high temperatures” as “hazardous weather,” creating a legal basis for work and school closures due to extreme heat.

Lu Kwo-chen (呂國臣), director of the Central Weather Administration, said a draft amendment has been sent to the Cabinet for review later this year. If passed, the new provision would establish a framework for heat-related holidays, though further planning is required, per Liberty Times.

Lu noted that the CWA has observed rising temperatures, humidity, and ambient wind levels. In response, the Ministry of the Environment has formed an interagency alliance to develop strategies for managing heat-related risks.

Currently, the CWA issues high-temperature warnings using red, orange, and yellow alerts based on intensity and duration. However, with the number of high-temperature days increasing, the agency is advocating for extreme heat to be officially categorized as “severe weather.”

This change would empower the government to suspend work and school in a manner similar to “typhoon days,” which are governed by the Operation Regulations on the Suspension of Offices and Classes in Times of Natural Disasters.

Under the existing law, local leaders may suspend classes and work during natural disasters if disruptions to transportation, water, or electricity pose safety risks for commuters.

Municipal governments are already responding to rising temperatures. Taichung City, for example, has identified urban hot spots and is developing green belts and wetlands using idle land, while encouraging green infrastructure to help mitigate the heat island effect.

In New Taipei City, schools receive immediate alerts to adjust outdoor activities, improve hydration, cool classrooms, and prepare first aid. The city has proposed considering an “extreme heat holiday” if temperatures exceed 38 C for three consecutive days, triggering a red alert.

Kaohsiung City Councilor Cheng Kuang-feng (鄭光峰) said summer temperatures often feel above 40 C in the city. He emphasized that construction workers, delivery drivers, and laborers in fishing ports and farmlands are especially vulnerable to heat stroke and exhaustion. Cheng supports allowing workers to take a temporary break when a red signal is issued.