Taiwanese meteorologists have predicted another significant drop in temperature and the possibility of snowfall in high mountains as a new cold air mass moves southwards, according to a recent Facebook post. The experts revealed that as the day progresses, the weather will get colder, and from the 8th to the 10th of this month, the lowest temperatures in low-lying areas could plummet to around 5 degrees Celsius, challenging the record for the third cold wave this winter.
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan shared his insights in a column for the Meteorological Applications Promotion Foundation. He mentioned that the latest European model simulations suggested that the cold surge on the 6th would weaken, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures with comfortable daytime conditions and slightly colder evenings. Additionally, there might be sporadic light snowfall above 3,000 meters in central Taiwan.
For today, temperatures across Taiwan are expected to range from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius in the north, 13 to 24 degrees in the central region, 11 to 25 degrees in the south, and 11 to 22 degrees in the east. Looking ahead, Wu Derong cautioned that starting from the morning of the 7th and continuing into the 8th, another strong cold air mass will quickly move southwards, causing a sharp drop in temperatures. By the evening of the 7th, the lowest temperatures in plain areas in northern Taiwan could already reach around 7 degrees Celsius. From the 8th to the 10th, as the frigid air encompasses the region, temperatures are expected to drop to around 5 degrees, prompting the need for extra layers to stay warm.
In the following days, there may be sporadic light rain in the northern and eastern parts on the 7th and 8th. As the moisture decreases from the 9th to the 11th, the western region is likely to see clearer skies with occasional clouds, while the eastern part may experience light rain at times. From the evening of the 7th to the 8th, there is a possibility of snowfall above approximately 2,000 meters in areas like Taipingshan and Lala Mountain, with even higher chances at altitudes like Hehuan Mountain. Areas around 1,000 meters, such as Datun Mountain and Qixingshan Peak, are on the threshold for snowfall, and further observation is needed to determine if it will be snow or just freezing rain.
Professor Wu further mentioned that according to the latest European model, from the 10th to the 12th, most regions will experience clear and stable weather, gradually warming up with significant temperature differences between day and night. However, on the 13th, a new frontal system is expected to bring rain and cooler temperatures as the cold air moves south. While the cold air may not be as intense, further adjustments in the models will require monitoring for any potential changes.