Taiwan’s tallest peak, Yushan (Mt. Jade), saw its first snowfall of the 2024 winter season on Monday, marking the arrival of colder weather in the island nation. The snow, which fell in brief spells, was confirmed by the Central Weather Administration (CWA) as the mountain experienced its first flurry of the season.
Snowfall and Rime on Yushan
According to the CWA, the Yushan Weather Station, located on the northern peak of the central Taiwanese mountain, reported two brief periods of snowfall. The first occurred at 3:05 p.m. and lasted only a minute, followed by another flurry at 3:30 p.m.
While snowfall on Taiwan’s high mountains is not uncommon during winter, this marks the official beginning of the 2024 winter season’s cold snap. Along with the snow, a cold air mass that passed through earlier this morning caused high moisture levels across the island, leading to icing and rime accumulation on vegetation at altitudes above 3,000 meters.
Impact of Moisture and Cold Air
The high moisture levels persisted throughout the day, despite the weakening cold front. These conditions were most apparent in Taiwan’s mountainous regions, especially those located above 3,000 meters, where rime was observed to cover plants and trees.
In addition to the snowfall on Yushan, areas such as the northern coast of Keelung City, the eastern half of the island, and western mountainous regions, including the Penghu Islands, experienced intermittent rain. The CWA attributed these conditions to the moisture-laden atmosphere, which brought sporadic showers to various parts of Taiwan.
Weather Forecast and Future Outlook
With the arrival of the first snow, Taiwan is expected to experience more cold spells and icy conditions in the coming days. According to meteorologists, additional low temperatures and potential snowfall can be anticipated across the mountainous regions.
Key Weather Observations:
| Location | Weather Condition | Expected Snowfall | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yushan (Mt. Jade) | Snowfall | Light snow at higher altitudes | Below 10°C in the evening |
| Keelung City | Light rain | No significant snow | 15-18°C |
| Eastern Taiwan | Sporadic rain | No significant snow | 14-17°C |
| Western Mountains | Light rain | No significant snow | 10-13°C |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will it snow in other parts of Taiwan soon?
A: Snowfall is typically limited to Taiwan’s highest mountains above 3,000 meters, such as Yushan, but more cold fronts could bring snow to other high-altitude areas in the coming weeks.
Q: What causes the rime buildup on vegetation?
A: Rime forms when supercooled water droplets freeze on plants and trees during periods of high moisture combined with low temperatures.
Q: Are there any impacts on travel due to the snow?
A: While snow can affect mountain roads, there are currently no significant disruptions to regular travel routes. However, travelers should monitor weather updates before heading to higher elevations.
