TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei's temperature dropped to 11.5 degrees Celsius early Friday morning (March 1), due to the arrival of a strong cold air mass from China. The outskirts of the city experienced even lower temperatures, generally ranging between 9-10 degrees.
The strong cold air mass has resulted in persistent overcast and rainy weather in the northern region for the entire day, causing sporadic short rains in other resulting areas.
Daytime temperatures in the north remain chilly, reaching only 12-13 degrees. Central Taiwan and Hualien recorded 16-18 degrees, while Tainan and eastern Taiwan displayed 21-22 degrees, with Kaohsiung and Pingtung reaching 25-27 degrees. This wide range in temperatures illustrates significant differences across the island.
Forecasters predict the lowest temperatures will occur tonight, with steep lows in the northern urban areas at 10-11 degrees, 13-14 degrees in central Taiwan and Hualien, and 15-16 degrees in the south and east.
Expected to weaken by Sunday, the strong cold air mass will transform the western half of the island into a cloudier climate with some sunshine. Meanwhile, the eastern half will continue experiencing clouds and rainfall with temperatures gradually increasing.
South-eastern to south-wind impact is anticipated on Monday, causing clear skies in most regions but a possibility of short rains in the southeast.
A new wave of weather front approaching on Tuesday will cause a rise in temperatures, possibly reaching 30-31 degrees in the day.
However, another transformation may occur on Wednesday, with a potential cold air mass moving south, causing a slump in temperatures island-wide, with the north's highest temperature probably only hitting 19 degrees.
