With the 228 holiday weekend approaching, residents and travelers across Taiwan can look forward to significantly warmer weather, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. Temperatures are predicted to soar as high as 28 degrees Celsius, especially in the southern regions of the island, according to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB).
Chen Yi-liang, Director of the CWB, stated, "Temperatures during the holiday will reach around 28 to 29 degrees Celsius, with the warmest areas being the south." This forecast offers good news to those planning to spend time outdoors during the four-day break, which runs from February 27 to March 2.
Following numerous cold fronts this winter, which saw the lowest temperatures recorded in nine years, the transition to pleasantly warm weather is welcomed by many. The past winter season had the fewest rainy days since 1951, with additional weather observations indicating normal rainfall patterns expected for March through May.
The weather during the holiday weekend is not only perfect for outdoor excursions but also coincides with heightened travel as people prepare to visit family and popular tourist spots. Public transport authorities are anticipating increased traffic and have implemented new initiatives to promote the use of buses and trains.
To mitigate potential congestion, officials have introduced discounts on bus fares for 90 different routes across the country during the holiday period. The current initiative is geared toward encouraging residents to opt for public transport rather than driving personal vehicles, particularly during this busy travel season.
According to Transport Bureau officials, "For the 228 holiday, we are implementing various price reductions on bus fares to encourage public transport usage." This effort is part of strategies aimed at keeping major roads clear and maintaining smooth traffic conditions. It reflects broader concerns about ecological impact and urban mobility.
The average temperatures across different regions of the island indicate variances from cool to comfortably warm. Northern areas like Keelung are expected to see higher humidity and cooler evenings, typically ranging from 11 to 15 degrees at night, with daytime temperatures hovering between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, cities like Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung can expect more inviting conditions with temperatures fluctuated between 15 and 25 degrees.
Notably, along Taiwan's western coastal areas, such as Penghu and Pingtung, brief morning showers may occur leading to evenings filled with clouds and sunny spells. The eastern coastal regions from Yilan to Taitung will likely share similar weather patterns with occasional light rain.
With the promise of nice weather, travelers are encouraged to plan their outings and remain vigilant on the roads. The CWB advises anyone traveling over the holiday to stay updated on real-time weather reports and be aware of potential fog or low visibility conditions.
To ease travel woes, the public is reminded about new mobile applications like "iBus" which help track bus schedules and provide timely route information. Likewise, drivers can utilize "Happy Highway APP" for live traffic updates and suggested alternative routes to avoid congested areas.
With warmer weather beckoning and travel incentives being rolled out, Taiwan's 228 holiday weekend promises not just enjoyable conditions for wanderers but also safer travel experiences for families and visitors alike.