Taiwan’s 228 Peace Memorial Day holiday will last for three days from February 28 to March 2. Meteorologist Wu Derong said that the weather in Taiwan is comfortable and slightly hot today (27th), with warm summer-like temperatures starting from tomorrow (28th) but a dramatic change in weather is expected on March 4. The public should be prepared to keep warm at that time.
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan pointed out in a column for the “Meteorological Application Promotion Foundation” that the latest European ECMWF model simulation (as of 8 pm on the 26th) shows that the mid-level moisture is gradually moving eastward today, leading to decreasing clouds and turning into partly cloudy skies in various areas, with mist likely in the western half of the island. The weather will be comfortable in the north and slightly hot in the south, with cool mornings and evenings. The air quality in the central and southern regions will remain poor, so outdoor activities should be approached with caution.
Wu Derong stated that according to the latest European model simulation, from the 28th to March 3, Taiwan will be within a warm air mass with clear and stable conditions throughout the island, with occasional fog in the mornings. There is a slight chance of scattered light rain in the eastern region, with daytime temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius in all parts of the island. As a frontal system approaches on the evening of March 4, the atmosphere becomes more unstable, and the chances of rainfall gradually increase.
Wu Derong further explained that the latest European model simulation indicates that on the morning of March 4, as the front passes through, significant rainfall is expected, with a probability of localized convection development (thunderstorms). Following this, cold air will move southward rapidly, causing a sudden temperature drop. People should be particularly aware of the sharp temperature changes (exceeding 15 degrees) during this period of rapid cooling after a warm spell.
He mentioned that from March 5 to 7, northern Taiwan will be most affected by the cold air, leading to continued rainy weather and a damp, cold sensation, typical of the “spring chill with continuous rain” pattern. Other regions will also be noticeably affected and need to adapt accordingly. The latest simulations from various countries show that the intensity of this cold air mass is most likely to be akin to a “continental cold air mass,” but as we approach the end of this period, the models will be adjusted accordingly, so continuous monitoring of the updates is recommended.