Introduction: Taiwan is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures as seasonal northeasterly winds and a cold front sweep across the island. The island’s highest peak, Jade Mountain (Yushan), recorded temperatures as low as minus 1.3°C early Tuesday morning, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). These freezing conditions are expected to affect not only the mountains but also low-lying regions throughout Taiwan.
Freezing Temperatures on Jade Mountain: At 2:14 a.m. Tuesday, the CWA reported a temperature of minus 1.3°C at the weather monitoring station on Jade Mountain, which stands at 3,952 meters. The cold temperatures caused frost to form around the station, and the CWA warned that temperatures could dip even lower as the night progresses. The ongoing seasonal winds and the cold front have intensified the chilly weather, bringing a significant chill to Taiwan’s high altitudes.
Cold Front Sweeps Across Taiwan: As the cold front moves across Taiwan, the effects are expected to be felt across the island. The CWA forecasts that northern Taiwan will experience temperatures as low as 15°C on Tuesday night, with daytime highs reaching around 18-19°C. The central and southern parts of Taiwan will experience slightly warmer temperatures, with highs of 23-28°C during the day, followed by cooler nights ranging from 16-18°C.
Weather in Taiwan’s Outlying Islands: The weather in Taiwan’s outlying islands is also expected to be cooler than usual. In Penghu and Kinmen, temperatures are forecasted to be between 20-23°C and 17-20°C, respectively. The Matsu Islands will be colder, with temperatures between 15-17°C.
Rain and Showers Expected: Brief showers are likely across northern and eastern Taiwan, with heavy rain expected in areas like Keelung, the northeastern coast, and mountainous regions. In central Taiwan and southern mountains, sporadic rain showers are expected Tuesday morning. However, the CWA predicts that rainfall will decrease towards the end of the week.
Cold Air System to Strengthen Later This Week: The CWA also forecasts that the cold air system will strengthen later in the week, becoming a continental cold air mass. This will lead to even lower temperatures, with lows potentially reaching 10°C in low-lying areas by the weekend. The CWA defines a continental cold air mass as a system that brings temperatures of 14°C or lower to the Taipei weather monitoring station.
Air Quality: On a positive note, the Ministry of Environment has reported that air quality across Taiwan will remain “fair” to “good” on Tuesday, providing some relief from the cold conditions.
Temperature Summary Table
| Region | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Taiwan | 18-19°C | 15°C |
| Central Taiwan | 23-25°C | 16-18°C |
| Southern Taiwan | 26-28°C | 16-18°C |
| Penghu Islands | 20-23°C | 17-20°C |
| Kinmen Islands | 20-23°C | 17-20°C |
| Matsu Islands | 15-17°C | 15-17°C |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are temperatures so low in Taiwan? The drop in temperatures is due to a cold front moving across Taiwan, coupled with seasonal northeasterly winds. These conditions have caused a significant chill, particularly in mountainous areas like Jade Mountain.
2. How low will temperatures go in Taiwan this week? Temperatures are expected to drop further as the cold front strengthens into a continental cold air mass, bringing temperatures as low as 10°C in low-lying areas by the weekend.
3. Will it snow on Jade Mountain? While snow is not explicitly mentioned in the weather forecasts, freezing temperatures and frost were reported on Jade Mountain. Snowfall is a possibility in these frigid conditions.
4. Is the air quality affected by the cold front? The Ministry of Environment has confirmed that air quality will remain “fair” to “good” throughout Taiwan despite the cold front’s arrival.
