TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces a strengthening cold air mass from Wednesday (Dec. 25) through Saturday (Dec. 28) that could drop lowland temperatures to 10 degrees Celsius (50°F). Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) said the cold front marks the second major cold air mass of the winter season.
Mountains over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), including Hehuanshan (合歡山), Xueshan (雪山), and Nanhu Mountain (南湖), might experience scattered snowfall if moisture levels align. Hsinchu County's Guanxi Township (關西鎮) recorded a morning low of 11.8 degrees Celsius (53.2°F) Monday. Other lowland areas saw temperatures between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius (57.2°F to 60.8°F).
European model simulations predict a weakening northeast monsoon until Tuesday morning, bringing clear skies and warmer temperatures. Wu said the weather will be comfortable and slightly warm during the day but cool mornings and evenings. The cold air will gradually move south by Tuesday afternoon, bringing cooler temperatures and local rain to northern and eastern Taiwan.
Wu said the monsoon will gradually dry out Saturday (Dec. 28), leading to cloudy skies in northern Taiwan after the rain. The eastern half of the island may still experience brief showers Saturday. Sunny weather will return Sunday (Dec. 29) with rising temperatures across regions, although eastern areas may see occasional scattered rain. ◼