Taiwanese meteorologists have posted a radar composite echo map on Facebook, indicating that the entire Taiwan area is covered by echoes. However, the real cold air is still behind, and temperatures are expected to drop further after nightfall on the 15th.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan issued a special cold temperature alert for 8 cities and counties today, affecting the period from this morning until the night of the 16th. Areas under the orange alert (very cold) include New Taipei City and Yilan County. Regions under the yellow alert (cold) include Keelung City, Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, and Kinmen County.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan stated that from today until the 17th, mainland cold air will affect the northern and northeastern regions with cold air, while other areas will also experience colder temperatures in the morning and evening. There is a chance of temperatures persisting around 10 degrees or lower (orange alert) in certain areas of New Taipei City and Yilan County from this morning until the night of the 16th. Residents are advised to take precautions.
Former Director of the Weather Bureau (predecessor organization of the Central Weather Bureau) in Taiwan, Zheng Mingdian, shared a radar composite echo map on Facebook today, stating that the entire Taiwan region is covered by echoes. While the echoes are not strong, the range is not small, and this is moisture coming from the south above the northeastern monsoon! The raindrops evaporate and absorb heat as they fall, making it feel cool or cold during the day, with real cold air still to follow, leading to further temperature drops at night.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan mentioned that as the mainland cold air mass moves southward today, the northern and eastern regions will experience temporary rain in some areas, while the southern regions and central mountainous areas will also have brief showers due to the influence of southward-moving cloud systems. Temperatures will continue to drop across all regions after nightfall.
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Central University of Taiwan stated on SET Metro Weather Secrets program today that the latest European (ECMWF) model simulation on the evening of the 14th shows that the mainland cold air mass will move southward today, resulting in temporary rain in the northern and eastern regions. Moisture from the south will move in, leading to local showers in mountainous areas and small amounts of rain in the central and southern plains, with a chance of snowfall above 3,000 meters. Temperatures will drop suddenly in northern Taiwan, becoming colder and more humid as the night progresses, with temperature decreases in other regions as well. Temperatures are expected to range from 17 to 10 degrees in the north, 11 to 19 degrees in central Taiwan, 13 to 21 degrees in the south, and 12 to 20 degrees in the east.
Wu Derong added that according to the latest European model simulation, the mainland cold air mass will linger over Taiwan on the 16th and 17th, resulting in the lowest temperatures. The 16th will see gradual drying, with cloudy skies in the north and sunnier periods in central and southern regions, while the eastern regions may experience occasional short showers. The 17th will be partly cloudy across all regions. Some plain areas may still see temperatures dropping below 10 degrees, so agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry industries should pay attention to the Central Weather Bureau’s “cold temperature alerts” and take measures to protect against the cold. People should also ensure they keep warm for their health.
Wu Derong further stated that the latest European model simulation shows that from Saturday to the 18th to 21st, the weather will be partly cloudy across all regions, with a chance of occasional isolated showers in the eastern regions. The cold air will gradually weaken, and temperatures will rise daily, although it will still be cool in the early mornings and evenings due to radiative cooling, leading to significant day-night temperature differences.