TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan experienced a significant drop in temperature on Thursday (Jan. 8) as a strong continental cold air mass combined with radiation cooling. Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) reported that the central region, particularly Gukeng Township (古坑鄉) in Yunlin (雲林), recorded the lowest temperature of 6.7 degrees Celsius.
Wu predicted that temperatures might fall below 5 degrees Celsius on Friday (Jan. 9), marking the season's first cold wave. The cold air will gradually weaken during the day, resulting in a temporary rise in temperatures. However, Wu warned of another cold front arriving Saturday (Jan. 10) afternoon, bringing cooler weather that will last until Monday (Jan. 12) morning.
Wu emphasized the importance of monitoring the weather, especially for the elderly and those with cardiovascular conditions, due to the significant temperature fluctuations. As the cold air weakens from Monday to Wednesday (Jan. 14), daytime temperatures will rise, and skies will clear, yet radiation cooling will continue to cause chilly mornings and evenings.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) also issued a cold weather alert for 18 counties and cities, highlighting the likelihood of temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius or lower in areas like New Taipei City and Taipei City. The CWA advised residents from central Taiwan northward and in Yilan to expect temperatures between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, while the south, Hualien, and Taitung could see temperatures between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius.