TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces a dramatic weather shift as a strengthening northeast monsoon will bring temperatures plunging to 12 degrees Celsius (53.6°F) by the weekend, the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) warned Wednesday (Dec. 10). The monsoon temporarily weakened Wednesday, causing daytime temperatures to rise across Taiwan. Western regions will experience significant temperature differences between day and night, with scattered showers expected in northern areas starting this afternoon.
The CWA forecasts the northeast monsoon will strengthen Thursday, with a continental cold air mass potentially arriving by the weekend. Temperatures will drop noticeably Sunday and Monday. Starting Friday night, the intensifying monsoon will bring reduced moisture and mostly clear to partly cloudy skies across Taiwan. Only Keelung's northern coast, Greater Taipei's mountainous areas, eastern regions, and the Hengchun Peninsula will continue experiencing scattered rain.
Weekend low temperatures will reach 12 to 14 degrees Celsius (53.6°F to 57.2°F) in northern and central regions, Yilan, Hualien, Kinmen, and Matsu, the CWA forecasted. Southern Taiwan, Taitung, and Penghu will see lows of 14 to 17 degrees Celsius (57.2°F to 62.6°F). Highs will range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius (64.4°F to 68°F) in northern areas, Yilan, Hualien, Penghu, and Kinmen. Central, southern, and eastern Taiwan will see highs of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius (69.8°F to 77°F).
The administration, Taiwan's weather bureau, advised people to prepare for radiative cooling effects in early morning and evening due to reduced moisture. The CWA recommended wearing extra layers when leaving home early or returning late, especially in open or mountainous areas. Temperatures may drop significantly lower in these locations during overnight hours. ◼