TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weather agency issued a cold weather advisory for 14 counties and cities on Friday (March 13), warning temperatures could plunge to around 10 degrees Celsius (50°F). The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) attributed the frigid conditions to a continental cold air mass combined with radiative cooling effects. Meteorologist Lin De-en (林得恩) forecast the cold spell will ease Saturday (March 14), with daytime temperatures climbing while mornings and evenings remain chilly.
Lin warned on his Facebook page that the cold air mass and radiative cooling are driving particularly frigid mornings and evenings. He cautioned residents about strong gusts in certain areas due to increased pressure gradients. Meteorologist Wu Der-romg (吳德榮) said continental high pressure will bring clear and dry weather across the island, forecasting a "cold first, warm later" trend over the next week.
Friday's lowest temperature hit 7.1 degrees Celsius (44.8°F) in Gukeng Township, Yunlin County (雲林古坑鄉). Shiding District, New Taipei City (新北石碇區), and Daxi District, Taoyuan City (桃園大溪區), both recorded 8 degrees Celsius (46.4°F), while Mingjian Township, Nantou County (南投名間鄉), registered 8.1 degrees Celsius (46.6°F). Temperatures across flat areas generally ranged from 7 to 9 degrees Celsius (44.6°F to 48.2°F).
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF, 歐洲模式) confirmed strong cold air persists, with northern Taiwan facing cool days while central and southern regions remain comfortably warm. The CWA urged residents to dress warmly and monitor temperature differences between day and night. Officials emphasized proper ventilation and electrical safety when using gas heaters and electric appliances.