TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Heavy rain battered northern Taiwan Monday (Dec. 29), with Taiwan's weather bureau warning of localized downpours along Keelung's (基隆) coast and northeastern regions. The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署), reported abundant moisture triggered prolonged rainfall in Keelung and Yilan (宜蘭), while brief showers hit areas north of Taoyuan (桃園) and in mountainous regions including Hualien (花蓮) and Miaoli (苗栗). Temperatures rose across northern areas despite the wet conditions.
Wu De-rong (吳德榮) of the Meteorological Application & Development Foundation warned temperatures could plunge below 7 degrees Celsius (44.6°F) in flat areas as the first wave of strong continental cold air arrives. Hsinchu (新竹) recorded the lowest morning temperature at 11.6 degrees Celsius (52.9°F) at 5:12 a.m., followed by Yunlin (雲林) at 12.3 degrees Celsius (54.1°F) and Nantou (南投) at 12.6 degrees Celsius (54.7°F). The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) forecast the northeast monsoon will intensify Tuesday (Dec. 30), with further cooling expected from Friday (Jan. 2).
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) predicted primarily sunny weather in northern Taiwan during daytime, with clear skies and rising temperatures elsewhere across the island. The northeast monsoon will strengthen tonight, increasing cloud cover and brief shower chances in northern Taiwan through Wednesday (Dec. 31). Drivers should remain vigilant as fog or low clouds may reduce visibility in central and southern areas during early morning hours. ◼