TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A cold spell has swept across Taiwan, bringing chilly temperatures and increased moisture, the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) reported Thursday (Dec. 19). This weather pattern has raised the possibility of rain and icy conditions, particularly in higher elevations across the island.
CWA noted that if low temperatures align with moisture levels, mountain roads in central Taiwan above 3,000 meters and northern and northeastern regions around 2,000 meters could experience icy roads, rimes, or sporadic snowfall. Regions north of Taoyuan and areas in Yilan, Hualien, and western mountainous regions may see brief showers, with scattered showers also likely south of Hsinchu and Taitung.
Western Taiwan and the northeast are expected to see temperatures dip to 11-13 degrees Celsius, while Hualien and Taitung may see lows around 14-15°C. Highs in the north and northeast will range from 14-15°C, with Hualien, Taitung, and central areas seeing 17-19°C and southern regions reaching about 22°C. Penghu's temperatures will hover between 15-17°C, with Kinmen experiencing 10-14°C and Matsu experiencing 8-11°C.
CWA also warned of strong northeastern winds, predicting gusts of 10-11 on Orchid Island (蘭嶼) and Green Island (綠島), and 9-10 from Taoyuan to Tainan and on the Hengchun Peninsula and Matsu. Keelung's northern coast, New Taipei, eastern coastal areas, and regions from Taichung to Yunlin and Kinmen are also expected to face strong gusts and high seas, urging caution for seaside activities.
