Taiwan is being affected by a strong cold air mass from the mainland, with the Central Weather Bureau issuing a special warning on low temperatures for 13 counties and cities, indicating the probability of temperatures below 10 degrees in many parts of Taiwan. The lowest temperature recorded on the plains of Taiwan this morning was 7.9 degrees Celsius in Shiding, New Taipei City.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan issued a low-temperature warning at 10:34 this morning, effective from the 10th in the morning until the 11th in the evening. Areas under the orange warning (very cold) include New Taipei City, Keelung City, Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Yilan County. Regions under the yellow warning (cold) include Hsinchu City, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, and Kinmen County.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan stated that from the 10th to the 13th in the early mornings, a strong mainland cold air mass will cause temperatures to significantly drop across the region. There is a chance of temperatures around 10 degrees or below (orange warning) continuing in parts of Hsinchu to the north and in localized areas of Yilan from today until the 11th. People are advised to take precautions.
In the latest European (ECMWF) model simulation at 8 pm on the 9th, Associate Professor Wu Derong of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan mentioned on Sanli TV that from today until the morning of the 12th, a strong mainland cold air mass will cover the northern and eastern regions with localized brief rains in mountainous areas, while the central and southern parts will be mostly cloudy with occasional sunshine. Daytime temperatures in northern Taiwan are expected to be around 14 to 15 degrees, remaining persistently damp and cold throughout the day. The central and southern regions will also experience a drop in temperatures with some areas on the plains reaching around 7 degrees. Industries in agriculture, fishery, and animal husbandry should pay attention to the adjustment of the meteorological bureau’s “low-temperature special warning” and take adequate cold prevention measures. The public should remember to dress warmly to maintain their health.
Wu added that in the next two days, there is a high chance of snow above 3,000 meters on high mountains like Hehuan and Xueshan, with a probability also present above 2,000 meters on mountains like Taipingshan and Lalashan. The temperature ranges for today are expected to be 8 to 14 degrees in the north, 10 to 19 degrees in the central region, 11 to 20 degrees in the south, and 10 to 18 degrees in the east.
Regarding the weather forecast for Taiwan next week, Wu mentioned that according to the latest model simulations from various countries, clear and stable weather is expected from the afternoon of the 13th until the 14th, with a gradual weakening of the cold air and noticeable daily warming. However, the morning and evening temperatures will still be relatively low. Another wave of strong cold air is forecasted to move south rapidly starting on the 15th, with cold air enveloping Taiwan on the 16th and 17th. Although the new simulations suggest a shorter duration compared to the current wave, the intensity remains strong. Nonetheless, further adjustments are anticipated in the models, so it is too early to draw any conclusions, and close monitoring of the situation is recommended.