TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A northeast monsoon brought sharp temperature drops across Taiwan on Thursday (Dec. 4), with meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) warning of particularly cold coastal conditions. Yushan (玉山), Taiwan's highest peak, recorded a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius (24.8°F) on Thursday, while Yunlin's Gukeng (古坑) township registered 12.6 degrees Celsius (54.7°F).
Northern Taiwan, including Yilan and Hualien counties, expects daytime temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (64.4-69.8°F). Central, southern, and Taitung regions will see warmer conditions reaching 24 to 26 degrees Celsius (75.2-78.8°F), with residents advised to dress warmly during early morning and evening commutes.
Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) forecasts decreasing moisture levels through Friday (Dec. 5), with northern regions remaining cloudy while central and southern Taiwan enjoy sunny conditions. Northern areas will maintain cold temperatures throughout the day, Wu noted. Other regions across the island will experience warm daytime temperatures but significantly cooler conditions during early mornings and evenings due to radiative cooling effects.
The northeast monsoon will weaken over Saturday (Dec. 6) and Sunday (Dec. 7), bringing gradually rising temperatures across Taiwan, meteorologists forecast. Another monsoon wave may strengthen after Monday (Dec. 8), increasing moisture levels and causing a slight temperature drop across the island. The system will weaken again by Tuesday (Dec. 9), significantly reducing rainfall chances throughout Taiwan and restoring more stable weather conditions. ◼