TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (空氣品質監測網) issued an alert on Tuesday (Feb. 18), noting that residents in central and southern Taiwan faced poor air quality due to the influence of a continental cold air mass from China. Pollutant accumulation in the downwind areas led to a level of "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" conditions (橘色提醒）in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, as well as Kaohsiung and Pingtung.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) warned that the northeastern winds might carry foreign pollutants, affecting Taiwan and its offshore islands, while strong winds from Changhua to the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan coastal areas could cause surface dust to rise. Weather stations in Nantou's Zhushan (竹山), Chiayi, and Kaohsiung's Renwu (仁武) detected that air quality reached a level of "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" condition, prompting the public to take precautions.
Meanwhile, the administration stated that individuals with heart, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions, along with children and the elderly, stay indoors. If venturing outside, wearing masks and avoiding prolonged strenuous activities is advised.
The nationwide air quality index showed a level of "Unhealthy" (紅色提醒) PM2.5 in central and southern regions, while northern Taiwan reached a "Moderate"(黃色提醒) status. Northern Hsinchu-Miaoli regions, central Taiwan, and Hualien-Taitung air quality zones, as well as Matsu, Kinmen, and Penghu maintained a moderate level.
