TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A weather front sweeping across Taiwan has triggered atmospheric instability, resulting in scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the island on Thursday (March 13), the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) reported. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to deliver heavy rainfall to western Taiwan, as well as Hualien, Taitung, and the northern coast of Keelung. Officials have issued advisories urging residents to exercise caution amid the intensifying precipitation.
In northern regions, temperatures have dipped noticeably to approximately 25 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the island continues to experience warmer conditions with daytime highs between 27 and 30°C. Overnight and early morning temperatures will fall to between 18 and 19°C in the north, while remaining slightly warmer at 20 to 22°C in other areas. The outlying islands face varying conditions: Penghu will see temperatures ranging from 20 to 26°C, Kinmen from 17 to 24°C, and Matsu experiencing the coolest weather at just 13 to 15°C.
Weather officials cautioned that reduced visibility from fog and low-lying clouds could affect Kinmen, Matsu, and northern areas extending to central Taiwan during nighttime and early morning hours. Travelers are advised to check for potential flight disruptions. The Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (環境部空氣品質預報) reported that the advancing weather front has altered wind patterns from southeasterly to northeasterly flows, potentially causing pollutants to accumulate across central and southern regions.
Air quality conditions vary significantly across the island. Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Matsu, and Penghu will maintain "good" air quality levels, while Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Kinmen will experience "moderate" conditions. Residents in central and southern Taiwan should be prepared for possible short-duration "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality levels. As the weather system continues its progression, authorities recommend that all residents stay informed about evolving weather and air quality conditions to safeguard their health and well-being.