TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署), Taiwan's national weather agency, reported increased moisture bringing brief showers to eastern Taiwan Friday (Dec. 19). Southern cloud systems shifted northward, triggering intermittent rain across the region with some areas experiencing heavier downpours. The weather pattern marks a transition toward more widespread precipitation across the island.
The CWA predicted scattered showers across the entire island Saturday, with more persistent rainfall in the eastern half. Western regions will encounter rain, especially during the first half of the day. A strengthening northeast monsoon will cool northern and northeastern areas by Sunday. The weather shift increases the likelihood of brief rain and possible heavy showers in Keelung's north coast, Greater Taipei, and the northeast.
Temperatures Friday are expected to rise slightly in northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. Highs will range from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius (71.6 to 77°F) and lows between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius (62.6 to 68°F). Increased cloud cover and rain in central, southern, and southeastern regions will cause a slight drop in daytime temperatures.
The deep moisture layer may lead to isolated snowfall, solid precipitation, or icing on mountains above 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) north of central Taiwan, including Yilan and Hualien. Temperatures Sunday could dip to between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius (59 to 66.2°F). Isolated showers are expected in Taoyuan northward, eastern and southeastern areas, and the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula, while other regions remain mostly cloudy to clear. ◼