TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for a cold spell as a continental cold air mass and radiative cooling effect bring low temperatures across the island on Wednesday (Jan. 8). Matsu (馬祖) and Miaoli (苗栗) recorded lows of 9 degrees Celsius and 9.4°C, respectively. Meteorologist Lin Te-en (林得恩) warned of an intensifying cold air mass expected to bring "wet and cold" conditions by Thursday.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) forecasts chilly weather in northern and northeastern regions, with significant day-night temperature differences elsewhere. Keelung’s (基隆) northern coast, northeastern areas, and Greater Taipei’s (大台北) mountain regions could experience brief showers. Eastern, southeastern, and Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) areas might see sporadic rain, while other regions, including Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, will remain mostly sunny to partly cloudy.
As the cold air mass strengthens Thursday, temperatures will drop further, and rain zones will expand. Northern, eastern, Hengchun Peninsula, and central mountain areas may see brief showers, while other regions, including Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, will stay partly cloudy to sunny. Lin highlighted the potential for temperatures to plunge to 11-13°C, with northern, northeastern, eastern, and central mountainous regions turning wet and cold until next Monday.
Lin advised the public to ensure proper ventilation when using gas heaters to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. He urged special care for the elderly, children, and those with cardiovascular conditions, and recommended that agriculture and aquaculture sectors take precautions against cold damage. Lin also called for community support for the homeless during the cold snap.