TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency issued a cold weather warning Friday (Jan. 9), alerting residents to prepare for a continental cold air mass arriving Saturday (Jan. 10) evening. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) warned of significant temperature swings between day and night, particularly in western regions. Morning temperatures will remain chilly due to radiative cooling, though slight warming is expected during daytime hours.
The cold air mass will affect Taiwan from Saturday (Jan. 10) evening through Monday (Jan. 12) morning, bringing colder conditions to northern and northeastern areas. The CWA forecasts scattered showers along the Keelung north coast, northern mountains, eastern regions, and Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula in Taiwan's south. Central and southern mountainous regions may also experience brief rainfall during this period.
The cold air mass will weaken Monday (Jan. 12) during the day, allowing temperatures in northern and northeastern areas to rise. Mornings and evenings will remain cold, with significant temperature differences persisting in western regions. From Monday (Jan. 12) through Friday (Jan. 16), most areas will see partly cloudy to clear skies, with brief showers limited to eastern regions and the Hengchun Peninsula.
The CWA warned that low temperatures can trigger respiratory and cardiovascular problems, urging residents to keep vulnerable populations warm. The agency emphasized proper ventilation when using gas heaters indoors. Residents along the Keelung north coast and eastern shores, including Orchid Island (蘭嶼) and Green Island (綠島), should also watch for dangerous long waves on Monday (Jan. 12). ◼