TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A strong continental cold air mass is set to impact Taiwan from Wednesday (Jan. 21) to Friday (Jan. 23). The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) issued a cold surge advisory, along with heavy rain and strong wind advisories, predicting localized heavy rain in northeastern regions, Keelung's north coast, and the Greater Taipei mountain area.
TVBS weather consultant Cheng Ming-dean (鄭明典) explained that two low-pressure systems over the Arctic are moving towards North America and East Asia, causing a cold wave. Taiwan will experience the lowest temperatures after nightfall Wednesday through Thursday (Jan. 22) morning, with northern regions remaining chilly until Friday morning. Chia Hsin-hsing (賈新興) noted a chance of temperatures dropping to 11.2 to 11.8 degrees Celsius at the Taipei weather station during this period.
Snowfall might occur at elevations around 2,500 meters north of Taoyuan and in Yilan, while Hehuanshan (合歡山) and Alishan (阿里山) in central Taiwan may see sleet or snow. By Friday afternoon, moisture levels will decrease, leading to improved weather conditions over the weekend, except for isolated showers in eastern Taiwan. Temperatures will gradually rise, reaching 20 to 23 degrees Celsius in the north and east, and 23 to 26 degrees Celsius in the central and southern regions.
Chia noted that from Saturday (Jan. 24) through Sunday (Jan. 25), isolated showers may occur along the north coast, in Keelung, the northeastern corners, and in the Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung areas. WeatherRisk forecasted cloudy to overcast skies with occasional showers in northern and eastern regions, while central and southern areas will remain partly cloudy to clear.