TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) forecasted normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall for Taiwan from March to May on Tuesday (Feb. 25). As there were 13 cold fronts since winter began, it cautioned residents to prepare for potential cold fronts in March.
Chen Yi-liang (陳怡良), director of the CWA's Weather Forecast Center, noted that the winter average temperature of 17.84 degrees Celsius was the second coldest since 2000, only surpassed by 2011. Taipei experienced 39 days below 14 degrees, the most in nine years. Rainfall distribution varied, with northern and eastern regions receiving less precipitation, while central and southern areas saw normal to above-normal levels.
Chen explained that the equatorial Pacific's sea temperatures are transitioning from a La Niña pattern to normal. Historical data suggests slightly lower temperatures in La Niña's aftermath, but rainfall trends remain unclear. The CWA predicts normal temperatures from March to May, with a higher likelihood of normal temperatures in March and April, and a warm trend in May due to the plum rain season.
The CWA advises caution for potential cold fronts in March and warns of fog in western Taiwan, Kinmen, and Matsu, which could disrupt traffic. With spring being a dry season, the CWA urges water conservation. Starting in March, the CWA will trial a new land-strong wind alert system using a three-color code to improve weather warnings.
