TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) warned residents in northern Taiwan on Monday (Jan. 26) to prepare for a significant temperature drop as a northeast monsoon or continental cold air mass strengthens starting Tuesday (Jan. 27). Forecasters predict the cold front will bring cooler temperatures and increased rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday (Jan. 28-29), with lows potentially plummeting to 11 degrees Celsius (51.8°F). A second wave of cold air is expected to arrive on Saturday (Jan. 31).
The administration warns that the second wave of cold air arriving on Saturday (Jan. 31) will further cool northern Taiwan, accompanied by rain. Residents should stay informed about weather changes and dress warmly to maintain their health and comfort. The initial chill will begin on Tuesday (Jan. 27), affecting northern Taiwan and Yilan, a county on Taiwan's northeastern coast, as the northeast monsoon or continental cold air mass moves southward.
As a cloudy and rainy zone from southern China shifts eastward, rain will intensify from central Taiwan northward, including Yilan and Kinmen, Taiwan's outlying islands near China. The administration forecasts heavier rain from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning. Temperatures in these regions will drop to between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius (51.8°F to 59°F), with Matsu, another outlying island chain, experiencing the lowest temperatures of 10 to 11 degrees Celsius (50°F to 51.8°F).
Starting Thursday (Jan. 29), the northeast monsoon or continental cold air mass will weaken, allowing temperatures to rise during the day. The mornings and evenings will remain chilly, prompting the administration to remind citizens to stay warm. During this period, moisture levels will decrease, resulting in mostly cloudy to sunny skies across various regions. Only Keelung's north coast, eastern areas, and the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), at Taiwan's southern tip, may experience isolated, brief showers.