TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for its first major cold front of the winter, set to hit Saturday evening (Dec. 13), WeatherRisk Explore Inc. (天氣風險管理開發股份有限公司) senior consultant Wu Sheng-Yu (吳聖宇) revealed Wednesday (Dec. 10). Wu explained the cold air mass will bring the lowest temperatures the night of Dec. 14 through Dec. 15 morning. The northeast monsoon will strengthen on the afternoon of Dec. 13, increasing rainfall in the north and east.
Wu expected rain to persist in northern and eastern areas until late Dec. 13 night, with scattered showers likely in Hualien and Taitung, eastern counties, on Dec. 14. Most regions should see clearer skies by Dec. 14, Wu added. The cold air mass will keep temperatures low through Dec. 15-16, affecting daily activities across the island.
Wu forecasted daytime highs on Dec. 13 to range from 21-23 degrees Celsius (69.8-73.4°F) in the north and northeast, 24-27 degrees Celsius (75.2-80.6°F) in central and eastern Taiwan, and up to 28 degrees Celsius (82.4°F) in the south. Temperatures will drop significantly by Dec. 14, Wu warned. Daytime highs on Dec. 14 will only reach 16-18 degrees Celsius (60.8-64.4°F) in the north and northeast.
Wu forecasted daytime highs on Dec. 14 to reach 19-21 degrees Celsius (66.2-69.8°F) in central and eastern regions, and 23-25 degrees Celsius (73.4-77°F) in the south. Urban areas in central, northern, and northeastern Taiwan will see lows of 12-14 degrees Celsius (53.6-57.2°F), with open areas dipping to 10-12 degrees Celsius (50-53.6°F). Taipei, the capital, is forecast to hit a low of 13 degrees Celsius (55.4°F). ◼