Taiwan braces for cold wave with temperatures below 10°C

TAIPEI (TVBS News) —  The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) said Friday (Dec. 27) that a powerful continental cold air mass has descended on Taiwan, creating chilly and wet conditions across the island, which will lead to sporadic rain showers. 

Meteorologist Lin Te-en (林得恩) warned that the cold wave's intensity is "approaching that of a cold front," with temperatures north of Chiayi potentially dropping below 10 degrees Celsius.

The CWA noted that Keelung's north coast, the Greater Taipei mountain area, and Yilan will experience brief rain showers. The agency advised residents in other regions, including Penghu, to carry umbrellas due to scattered rain.

Early morning temperatures hovered between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, rising to 17 to 20 degrees during the day. By evening, temperatures in the north and northeast will fall to 14 or 15 degrees, with other areas seeing 16 or 17 degrees.

Island-wide, Penghu's temperatures will range from 16 to 18 degrees, Kinmen will see 13 to 17 degrees, and Matsu will experience 11 to 13 degrees. Authorities advised late-night travelers to dress warmly.

Lin explained that the fifth wave of the continental cold air mass will impact the island until the end of the year, with the most notable effects occurring from Saturday through Monday in areas north of Chiayi and in the northeast.