Taiwan is bracing for unusually cold conditions as a powerful continental cold front has descended upon the island, causing significant drops in temperature. The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) has issued low-temperature warnings, advising residents to prepare for the chill.
From December 14 through at least December 16, this cold wave is expected to affect temperatures across various regions, particularly the northern and northeastern parts of Taiwan. According to meteorologist Chia Hsin-hsing, the lowest temperatures are forecasted to occur overnight from December 14 to December 15, with northern parts experiencing lows of 7 to 9 degrees Celsius.
Residents are already feeling the impact, as evidenced by reported low temperatures across several areas. For example, New Taipei's Shihding district recorded a ground-level temperature of 9.6 degrees, and the Taipei weather station noted 13.7 degrees. The CWB has highlighted the areas most impacted, including New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli County, which may experience temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees or below.
On December 15, the northern and northeastern regions, including Keelung and Taipei, are projected to face persistent rainfall, adding to the damp and chilly conditions. For parts of central and southern Taiwan, the weather is slowly stabilizing, with occasional sunshine expected. Daytime highs during this period are anticipated to range from 15 to 19 degrees.
Weather analysts from the WeatherRisk meteorological service have projected continuing cold weather effects until the following Monday, December 16, noting the unexpected cold stints through the weekend. They advise people to stay updated on the weather, particularly for areas expecting local rain. The cold air will start to weaken by December 17, leading to gradual temperature recovery, but early mornings and late evenings will still require considerable warmth.
The situation is also compounded by the potential for additional cold waves. The CWB anticipates another round of cold air could arrive between December 21 and December 23, with significant uncertainty about its strength, underscoring the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
According to data released by the CWB on December 14, the perceptible temperature—the sensation of cold experienced by individuals—is projected to drop even lower. Lienchiang County is expected to feel temperatures as low as 2 to 7 degrees, making it the coldest area during the cold wave.
With the height of this cold front, conditions across Taiwan can be characterized as significantly cooler, with daytime highs only peaking at 21 to 23 degrees over the next few days. Temperatures are expected to remain lower overall due to the prevailing cold front directed from the continent.
There is also mounting excitement and concern surrounding the upcoming Taipei Marathon, scheduled for December 15, with over 28,000 participants expected. Wu Sheng-yu, senior consultant at WeatherRisk, stated there are chances of drizzle during the marathon alongside expected temperatures around 12 degrees during the early morning, only climbing slightly to between 15 and 16 degrees during the day. The damp conditions could have noticeable effects on marathon runners.
Undoubtedly, the cold front is reshaping weather dynamics across Taiwan. While the north deals with intermittent rain and colder temperatures, residents must navigate chilly evenings as well—highlighting the importance of appropriate clothing and heating measures during this time.
Weather conditions will continue to evolve as the cold front fluctuates, so officials implore the public to stay updated on weather predictions. Beyond immediate temperatures, residents are urged to pay attention to air quality advisories, as strong northeastern winds may carry pollutants toward the island, particularly affecting air quality across the central and southern regions.
With every passing day of this cold wave, monitoring weather updates will become increasingly pertinent. The cold front will not only influence temperatures but also present unique challenges for outdoor events and daily activities. Staying informed about local forecasts will be key to getting through these icy days.
