TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Increasing cloud cover could bring scattered showers across the island, with cooler temperatures persisting in the mornings and evenings on Wednesday (Jan. 22), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). A looming cold front threatens to chill Taiwan as meteorologists predict a significant temperature drop starting Sunday. The mercury is set to dip to between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius in western Taiwan, Yilan (宜蘭), Kinmen (金門), and Matsu (馬祖).
Weather expert Lin De-en (林得恩) highlighted on his Facebook page that the European EC-AIFS model forecasts an extended cold spell. He warned that the coldest period might hit Taiwan from the early hours of Lunar New Year's Eve through New Year's Day, potentially reaching cold wave levels. Lin urged residents to prepare for the prolonged chill during the holiday. Meteorologist Wu De-rong (吳德榮) echoed these concerns in his column, noting that the European model indicates a strengthening northeast wind on Saturday and Sunday.
Wu predicted cooler, rainy conditions in the north and east, while central and southern areas might experience clearer skies. Wu expects the severe cold air to descend Sunday night. The latest European model simulation from Monday evening suggests that by Lunar New Year's Eve, temperatures could plummet below 10°C in northern lowlands, with snow possible above 2,000 meters. The cold air might weaken slightly by New Year's Day, but nighttime temperatures could still challenge this winter's record lows. Experts advise continued observation of the weather patterns as the holiday approaches.