The Central Weather Administration announced the arrival of this winter’s first strong continental cold air mass, accompanied by a southern weather system, bringing rain and lower temperatures across Taiwan.
The southern system brings increased moisture, causing brief showers along the northern coast of Keelung, mountainous areas of Greater Taipei, and the Hengchun Peninsula. Other regions may also see occasional rain, resulting in cold and damp conditions.
The cold air mass will persist through Sunday, transitioning from wet to dry conditions. Residents should prepare for significant day-night temperature differences due to radiative cooling with the coldest period expected from Saturday night to early Sunday morning. Taipei, central, and southern areas may drop as low as 11 degrees Celsius, with northern areas down to 10 degrees Celsius, and eastern areas 12 degrees Celsius.
Though not as cold, a slightly stronger northeast monsoon will bring cooler weather to northern and northeastern Taiwan, with chillier mornings and evenings in other regions for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Brief showers are likely in windward areas, while southern Taiwan may see sporadic rain shortly after the holiday.