New Taipei, Taiwan — The temperature in New Taipei’s Shiding District dropped to a chilly 9.6°C early on Saturday morning, the lowest recorded in a low-lying area across Taiwan, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The weather agency issued cold surge advisories for several northern regions, as temperatures are expected to continue dipping throughout the day.
New Taipei’s Shiding Hits 9.6°C: A Cold Start to Saturday
At 6:43 a.m., the CWA recorded the low of 9.6°C in Shiding, marking the coldest temperature in the area. The nearby outlying Matsu Islands also saw a near-freezing morning, with Nangan recording a temperature of 9.7°C. Other parts of Taiwan, including Dongyin Island in Matsu and Hukou Township in Hsinchu County, also reported temperatures falling below 11°C.
Cold Surge Continues: Warnings in Effect for Northern Taiwan
Cold surge advisories have been issued for New Taipei, Hsinchu, and Miaoli counties, with temperatures forecast to remain below 10°C through the weekend. The CWA attributes the cooling trend to a cold air mass moving southward, expected to bring cooler conditions throughout the day, especially in the evening and overnight hours.
What to Expect This Weekend
- Northern Taiwan: Temperatures will hover around 12°C on Saturday, with colder conditions in the evening.
- Central and Southern Taiwan: The central and southern regions can expect temperatures ranging between 13-15°C.
- Eastern Taiwan: Areas in Hualien and Taitung will experience lows between 14-16°C.
Showers, Frost, and Snowfall Expected
The CWA predicts brief showers for parts of Greater Taipei, Keelung’s coastal areas, and northern mountain ranges. The wet conditions will be accompanied by frost and rime, particularly at higher elevations. On Yushan (Jade Mountain), the morning temperature reached a chilly 1.6°C, leading to frost and rime formation. These ice crystals are formed differently: frost is created by condensation of water vapor, while rime forms from supercooled water droplets freezing on contact with cold surfaces.
Hazardous Conditions on High-Elevation Roads
The CWA has issued warnings for icy roads at high elevations, particularly above 3,000 meters. Travelers are advised to be cautious as temperatures drop at night and early Sunday morning, with the possibility of snow accumulation at the highest altitudes.
Weather Alerts and Temperature Summary
| Region | Forecast Low Temperature | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Shiding (New Taipei) | 9.6°C | Cold surge, potential for frost and rime |
| Matsu (Nangan) | 9.7°C | Cold, with brief showers expected |
| Greater Taipei | 12°C | Brief showers, cooler by evening |
| Central Taiwan | 13-15°C | Cooler temperatures with possible rain |
| Southern Taiwan | 13-15°C | Cloudy, cool with occasional rain |
| Eastern Taiwan | 14-16°C | Showers, colder at night |
| Yushan (Jade Mountain) | 1.6°C | Frost, rime, icy roads, potential for snow |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the lowest temperature recorded in Taiwan this weekend?
A: The lowest temperature was recorded in New Taipei’s Shiding District at 9.6°C early on Saturday.
Q: Which regions in Taiwan have cold surge warnings?
A: Cold surge warnings are in effect for New Taipei, Hsinchu, and Miaoli counties, with temperatures expected to remain below 10°C.
Q: Will there be snow in Taiwan this weekend?
A: Yes, snow is possible at high elevations above 3,000 meters, particularly on Yushan (Jade Mountain).
Q: What are frost and rime?
A: Frost is formed by the condensation of water vapor, while rime forms from supercooled water droplets that freeze upon contact with cold surfaces.
Q: How cold will it get in the northern parts of Taiwan?
A: Northern Taiwan will see temperatures around 12°C on Saturday, with colder conditions expected at night.
