TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A significant drop in temperatures hit Taiwan's western and northeastern regions early Tuesday (Feb. 10), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). Radiative cooling pushed temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius before warming by midday, with highs reaching 28 degrees in central and southern areas. The CWA warned of considerable day-night temperature fluctuations.
The administration issued a cold weather alert at 6:29 a.m. for 16 counties, including New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Hsinchu County. Forecasters expect temperatures to dip below 10 degrees. Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) emphasized the need for caution, noting the potential for brief showers in the Greater Taipei area and northeastern regions on Lunar New Year's Eve (Feb. 16).
The administration predicts the first cold front and northeast monsoon will bring cooler, wetter conditions to northern Taiwan and Yilan from Wednesday (Feb. 11) to Thursday (Feb. 12). Wu highlighted a return to warmer, spring-like conditions by Friday (Feb. 13) as the monsoon weakens. He advised taking advantage of stable weather for pre-holiday cleaning but cautioned against the large day-night temperature variations.
The northeast monsoon will strengthen on Wednesday, prompting a land wind advisory at 5:04 a.m. for 12 counties. The CWA warns of wind gusts exceeding levels 6 and 8 (39-74 km/h) in certain areas, urging caution for those outdoors. Wu noted the weather will stabilize and warm up by Thursday, with only occasional brief showers in eastern regions.