Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan is bracing for a noticeable drop in temperatures as strengthening northeasterly winds sweep across the island, with forecasts predicting the mercury in northern Taiwan could fall to as low as 20°C by Tuesday, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. The seasonal winds are also expected to bring moisture, which could lead to widespread rainfall in several parts of the island.
Temperature Drop Expected in Northern Taiwan
According to the CWA’s latest forecast, the strengthening seasonal winds will cause temperatures in northern Taiwan to drop significantly, reaching lows of around 20°C on Tuesday. The cool weather will stretch across the northern, northeastern, and eastern parts of the island, with temperatures expected to range between 20°C and 26°C.
As the northeasterly winds gain strength, moisture will be carried inland, contributing to cool and wet weather conditions in these regions. The CWA specifically highlighted Yilan and Hualien counties, where rainfall is expected to be most intense. Areas such as Keelung, along Taiwan’s northeastern coastline, and the mountainous regions around Greater Taipei could also experience heavy rain during the day.
Rainfall and Wind Advisory
For the rest of Taiwan, the weather will remain milder, with central and southern regions seeing temperatures between 28°C and 30°C. These areas may experience some sporadic showers, especially in mountainous regions during the afternoon.
Despite the milder weather in the south, the CWA has issued a strong wind advisory for several areas, including:
- Taoyuan City
- Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County
- Miaoli County
- Taichung City
- Changhua County
- Yunlin County
- Hengchun Peninsula
- Orchid and Green Islands
The advisory also includes the Taiwan-controlled islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, urging residents and travelers to exercise caution due to strong winds that could impact daily activities.
Outlook for Midweek:
Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) stated that the moisture levels in the northeasterly winds will decrease by Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, weather conditions are expected to stabilize, with only occasional brief showers in the northern and eastern regions. This could bring a period of drier weather before another shift in conditions later in the week.
Tropical Storm Yinxing’s Potential Impact
One major factor that could alter the forecast in the coming days is the potential impact of Tropical Storm Yinxing. As of 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the storm was located 1,140 kilometers southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point. The CWA noted that, while Yinxing’s influence is not expected to be immediately severe, the tropical storm could increase moisture levels in the atmosphere by Friday, bringing more rain and cooler temperatures across Taiwan through November 11.
Air Quality Alerts Issued
In addition to weather changes, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment issued an air quality alert for the island. For most parts of Taiwan, air quality is expected to remain “fair” or “good” throughout Tuesday, making it a relatively comfortable day for outdoor activities.
However, an orange air quality alert has been issued for some parts of southern Taiwan, including the Matsu islands, signaling unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Weather and Air Quality Summary for Taiwan:
| Region | Weather | Temperature | Rainfall | Wind Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Taiwan | Wet and cool, with northeasterly winds | 20°C – 26°C | Heavy rainfall likely in Yilan, Hualien | Strong winds |
| Central Taiwan | Partly sunny, occasional showers | 28°C – 30°C | Sporadic showers possible | Moderate winds |
| Southern Taiwan | Partly sunny, afternoon showers | 28°C – 30°C | Possible afternoon showers | Moderate winds |
| Matsu Islands | Fair weather with moderate winds | 22°C – 26°C | Light rain possible | Strong wind advisory |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What temperatures can we expect in northern Taiwan on Tuesday?
Northern Taiwan is forecast to experience cooler temperatures, with the mercury potentially dropping as low as 20°C on Tuesday.
2. Will it rain in other parts of Taiwan?
Yes, rain is expected in northeastern, northern, and eastern Taiwan, especially in Yilan, Hualien, and the Greater Taipei region. Central and southern Taiwan may see sporadic showers.
3. Is the wind expected to be strong throughout Taiwan?
Strong winds are expected in northern and central Taiwan, with a wind advisory issued for several areas, including Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Matsu Islands.
4. How will Tropical Storm Yinxing affect Taiwan?
The storm is currently southeast of Taiwan and is expected to increase moisture levels in the air, which could lead to increased rainfall by the weekend (Nov. 7-11).
5. What is the air quality like in Taiwan on Tuesday?
The air quality is generally fair to good, but an orange alert has been issued for some parts of southern Taiwan, indicating potentially unhealthy air conditions for sensitive groups.
