TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Northern Taiwan experienced a temperature drop on Tuesday (Dec. 30) as the northeast monsoon strengthened, with highs reaching only 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). Rainfall affected Keelung's north coast and the Greater Taipei mountain area, while other regions remained mostly cloudy to sunny.
The CWA predicted cooler weather in northern and northeastern Taiwan on Wednesday (Dec. 31) due to the northeast monsoon, with significant temperature differences between day and night in central and southern regions. Rain is expected in windward areas, while leeward regions are expected to see clearer skies.
Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) noted that the cold air will gradually move south starting Thursday (Jan. 1), with the coldest air of the winter enveloping the region from Friday (Jan. 2) to Sunday (Jan. 4). He warned that the minimum temperature in lowland areas will drop below 7 degrees Celsius, urging residents to stay warm and not underestimate the cold.
As the cold air weakens during the day on Sunday, Wu anticipated another wave of cold air after Jan. 5, though its timing and intensity remain uncertain. WeatherRisk Explore Inc. (天氣風險公司) analyzed that a continental cold air mass began affecting northern Taiwan on Nov. 1, causing brief showers in areas north of Taoyuan and cloudy conditions elsewhere from Tuesday until Sunday.