TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) has issued a warning for Taiwan, predicting that pollutants from China's Shandong (山東) to Shanghai (上海) region will affect the island on Wednesday (Jan. 15). The ministry expects the incoming continental cold air mass to degrade air quality to an orange alert level, indicating it is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Officials reported that two cold air waves have increased wind speeds in coastal areas, potentially causing dust storms that could reduce air quality and visibility. On Tuesday, the PM2.5 concentration in China ranged from 75 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter, and Taiwan's northern region may see levels between 30 and 45 micrograms per cubic meter on Wednesday.
The ministry noted that pollutants continue to move southward with the northeast winds, resulting in air quality ranging from moderate to orange alert levels across Taiwan. Short-term red alerts, indicating unhealthy conditions, might affect Kinmen and Matsu. Strong winds in coastal areas from Changhua to Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan could elevate PM10 levels to 200-300 micrograms per cubic meter.
Starting Thursday, the ministry anticipates improving air quality in northern regions, from Hsinchu and Miaoli northward. However, southern areas should remain cautious about pollutant accumulation. Another wave of foreign pollutants may arrive on Friday, depending on upstream concentrations.
