TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The northeast monsoon brought chilly temperatures to Taiwan on Thursday (Dec. 4), with the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) reporting lows between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius nationwide. Coastal and open areas experienced further temperature drops, reaching as low as 12 degrees Celsius in some places as the morning chill set in.
Meteorologists expect northern Taiwan to remain cold and wet on Friday (Dec. 5), with rain forecast for the north coast of Keelung and Yilan. However, temperatures are expected to rebound over the weekend, from Saturday (Dec. 6) to Sunday (Dec. 7), across the island. The CWA anticipates another surge of the northeast monsoon on the following Monday (Dec. 8), causing temperatures to drop to 15-19 degrees Celsius.
The Ministry of Environment (環境部) noted that the northeast monsoon's influence has reduced the impact of foreign pollutants, but accumulation remains possible in the downwind areas of central and southern Taiwan. Air quality in Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung is rated as "good," while air quality in the northern, central, and some outlying islands is at a "moderate" level. Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung have an "orange alert," urging residents to monitor air quality.
Over the weekend, the northeast monsoon is expected to weaken, with daytime highs in northern Taiwan ranging from 23 to 24 degrees Celsius and 27 to 28 degrees Celsius in central and southern areas. Looking ahead to next week, the monsoon may strengthen again on Monday, bringing increased moisture and scattered showers to the windward areas.