TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) forecasted extended rainfall for Wednesday (Dec. 31) and New Year's Day in northern Taiwan, including Keelung's north coast and the Greater Taipei mountain areas. A strong continental cold air mass will push southward on Thursday (Jan. 1), causing temperatures to drop in the north during the day and bringing a chill to other regions by night.
Forecasters predicted that the cold air mass will peak from Friday to Sunday (Jan. 2-4) morning, with temperatures in northern and central Taiwan, Yilan, and Kinmen (金門) potentially dipping to 9 to 12 degrees Celsius. Matsu (馬祖) may see temperatures as low as 8 to 9 degrees. Highs will range from 14 to 21 degrees, depending on the region.
Cheng Ming-dean (鄭明典) noted that Taipei's low could reach 11 degrees, indicating a possible cold wave. TyTech Taiwan | Weather Express (台灣颱風論壇｜天氣特急) advised people to head south for better weather on New Year's Eve, warning of stronger cold air next week, which could return any missed cold from earlier.
The CWA cautioned that snow or ice might occur in high-altitude areas from 1,500 to 3,000 meters in the north and central regions and Hualien on Friday. Rain is expected in northern and eastern parts and the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) on Thursday, with a chance of brief showers on Friday.