TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan experienced its hottest year on record, the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) announced Tuesday (Dec. 31). The annual average temperature across Taiwan reached 24.97 degrees Celsius, surpassing the century-long average by 1.66°C. This unprecedented warmth underscores the broader trends of climate change affecting the region.
Chen Yi-liang (陳怡良), director of the Weather Forecast Center (氣象預報中心), noted that April was the warmest month on record, while December was the only month with temperatures slightly below the climate average by 0.5°C. Eight weather stations, including those in Tamsui (淡水), Hsinchu, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), Tainan, Chenggong (成功), Taitung, and Dawu (大武), recorded their highest annual average temperatures.
Rainfall distribution throughout Taiwan remained uneven, with significant precipitation on the north coast, Taipei's mountainous areas, and parts of central and southern Taiwan. Spring and plum rains were below average, while typhoons increased rainfall during summer and autumn. The Northwest Pacific saw 26 typhoons form this year, close to the 25.4 average, with four typhoon warnings issued and three making landfall.
Looking ahead, Chen predicts that temperatures from January to March will likely remain normal, although cold snaps may still occur. Rainfall is expected to be normal to slightly below average, with central and southern Taiwan continuing to experience drought conditions. Authorities urge residents to conserve water.
