TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) warned on Thursday (Dec. 26) of deteriorating air quality across Taiwan due to the arrival of a continental cold air mass. The ministry expects air quality to range from moderate to orange alert levels by Friday morning as the cold air mass from China impacts the island.
The MOENV, using the latest meteorological forecasts and air quality simulations, predicts that air quality in Kinmen (金門) and Matsu (馬祖) could reach red alert levels by Saturday. The ministry anticipates improvements to moderate to good levels by Sunday afternoon.
The continental cold air mass will carry external pollutants affecting Taiwan until Sunday morning. Conditions improving in northern and central regions by Sunday afternoon. However, southern areas located downwind may still experience orange alert levels due to weaker wind speeds and pollutant accumulation.
The MOENV has alerted local environmental protection bureaus to implement response measures. These include strengthening pollution control at large factories, enhancing construction site measures, and conducting inspections of diesel and older vehicles in traffic hotspots. The ministry also advises increased water coverage in areas prone to river dust.