Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau has released the weather forecast for the upcoming season (March to May): normal temperatures with normal to below-average rainfall. The bureau also warns of the possibility of cold air masses moving south and affecting Taiwan in March. Additionally, they are trialling a special report on strong winds for different townships on land, aiming to help people understand and prepare for strong winds in their local areas.
At a press conference held today (25th), the Central Weather Bureau indicated that in the past quarter (December 2024 to February 2025), there were frequent occurrences of cold air masses moving south, with a total of 13 instances of cold air impacting Taiwan above a certain level. The temperatures were below average for an extended period, with the average temperature at 11 stations across Taiwan falling into the lower category. In terms of rainfall, Taiwan received only 70% of the average precipitation, with the northern and eastern parts experiencing below-average rainfall while the central and southern regions saw normal to above-average rainfall, displaying uneven distribution.
The Bureau further explained that the sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean still exhibit a La Niña-like pattern of being warmer in the west and cooler in the east, but they predict a return to normal conditions in the spring. Historical data analysis shows that in the following March to May period after a La Niña, temperatures may be slightly lower, but the impact on Taiwan varies in different La Niña years, with no clear signal for rainfall changes.
Combining their own data and various international models, the Central Weather Bureau forecasts a higher probability of normal average temperatures from March to May, with rainfall estimated to be normal to below-average in March and April. As May transitions into the plum rain season, there is high uncertainty in rainfall predictions.
Moreover, the Central Weather Bureau reminds the public of the likelihood of cold air masses affecting Taiwan in March, advising people to stay warm during these periods. In March and April, western Taiwan, Kinmen, and Matsu areas are prone to dense fog, so caution should be exercised for road safety and travel planning. Spring is generally a season of lower rainfall, so people are urged to conserve water resources and be mindful of water usage. Weather patterns change rapidly in spring, so staying updated on the latest weather forecasts from the Bureau is crucial.
Starting from March, the Central Weather Bureau will pilot the issuance of “Land-based Strong Wind Special Reports” to provide detailed information on strong wind signals in various townships and cities, enabling better understanding of local wind dynamics and preparedness.
Taiwan’s climate is influenced by monsoons and its diverse terrain and unique land-sea distribution often lead to coastal areas and outlying islands facing threats from strong winds. The Bureau notes that strong wind events are most frequent during the prevailing northeast monsoon from autumn to spring (October to April), while strong winds also occur from May to September due to the influence of the southwest monsoon and typhoons, especially with typhoon impacts extending inland, causing varying degrees of harm to different regions.
In the past, strong wind events reaching level 10 or above were issued land-based special reports to raise public awareness. However, the warning system based solely on county-level wind standards could not fully represent wind differences within its jurisdictional areas.
Therefore, starting from March, the Central Weather Bureau plans to issue more detailed land-based strong wind special reports using yellow, orange, and red signals to differentiate between different levels of strong winds. Yellow signal: alert for average wind speeds reaching level 6 or higher, or gusts level 8 or higher; Orange signal: heightened alert for average wind speeds of level 9 or higher, or gusts level 11 or higher, emphasizing safety precautions; Red signal: immediate action required for average wind speeds of level 12 or higher, or gusts level 14 or higher, seeking shelter indoors and strengthening preventive measures.
The Bureau suggests that the public can check the issuance of strong wind signals in different townships and cities through their official website, the Life Weather App, or the “Weather Report” fan page on Facebook. People are advised to take appropriate precautions based on the signal color classification standards. During the trial period this year, the Bureau will continuously collect feedback from all stakeholders and conduct rolling reviews and adjustments to enhance strong wind warning services, assisting the public in understanding local strong winds and preparing for them confidently.