Taiwanese meteorologists have stated that today, on February 21st, a frontal system is passing through Taiwan along with a cold air mass from the mainland moving southward. As a result, Taiwan’s temperature will drop until the 25th, reaching a low of 7 degrees. Citizens are advised to stay warm during this period.
Dr. Wu Derong, an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan, mentioned in a column for the Meteorological Applications Promotion Foundation that the latest European model simulations from 8 p.m. on the 20th show the frontal passage today, leading to localized brief showers in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan. The “mainland cold air mass” moving southwards will cause temperatures to drop, with northern Taiwan getting colder later in the day, and other areas experiencing cold mornings and nights.
According to Dr. Wu, the latest European model simulations indicate that the cold air will remain constant on the 22nd, strengthen on the 23rd, and continue to impact until the early morning of the 25th. This wave of cold will be longer-lasting compared to the previous one and will see the lowest temperatures on the island’s plains dropping to 7 degrees. Residents are reminded to take precautions and keep warm. Showers are expected in the northern and eastern regions, while the central and southern parts will experience partly cloudy skies.
Furthermore, he mentioned that from the evening of the 23rd to the early morning of the 25th, temperatures will drop to their lowest point. Whether or not it will reach the criteria for a “strong mainland cold air mass” (12 degrees at the Taipei station) remains to be seen but requires close monitoring.
Dr. Wu also mentioned that current simulations from various countries (Europe, the US, Japan, Canada) all indicate that from daytime on the 25th to March 2nd, Taiwan will be under the influence of a warm air mass, leading to consistently warmer conditions with a likelihood of fog. As there are no significant cold air masses forecasted, there are no conditions for cold weather to persist until the end of February.
He added that the latest European (ECMWF) and American (GFS) model simulations suggest that on the 26th, there will be passing mid-level clouds with slightly increased cloud cover and a chance of isolated drizzles in mountainous areas. On the 28th, although a cold front will pass over the northern offshore waters, the models indicate minimal impact on the various regions.