TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A weather pattern of stark contrasts will sweep across Taiwan on Wednesday (March 26) as residents prepare for warm daytime temperatures coupled with notably cooler mornings and evenings. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) predicts mostly sunny to partly cloudy conditions throughout the island, with rainfall limited to isolated showers in the southeastern regions of Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島). This clear weather pattern marks a temporary respite from the seasonal precipitation typically expected during late March in the region.
Daytime temperatures will climb considerably, reaching between 28 and 33 degrees Celsius across most areas, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities during midday hours. However, the CWA has issued a cautionary note regarding the substantial temperature fluctuations expected within a 24-hour period. Morning and evening temperatures will dip significantly to between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius, creating a day-night differential of up to 16 degrees in some locations. Meteorologists recommend residents prepare layered clothing to adapt to these pronounced temperature variations throughout the day.
Taiwan's outlying island chains will experience milder temperature ranges compared to the main island. Penghu's temperatures will fluctuate between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius, offering more moderate conditions than the mainland. Kinmen and Matsu will see slightly cooler readings, ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Weather authorities have highlighted potential visibility challenges developing later in the day, particularly across western Taiwan, as low-hanging clouds and fog formations are expected to develop. The CWA specifically cautions travelers utilizing air and sea transportation to closely monitor schedules for potential disruptions and advises motorists to exercise heightened vigilance on roadways as visibility conditions may deteriorate unexpectedly.
Maritime conditions will intensify significantly for two specific island locations beginning Wednesday morning. Strengthening southwesterly wind patterns are expected to affect both Matsu in the Taiwan Strait and Green Island (綠島) off Taiwan's eastern coast, with sustained winds potentially reaching level 6 on the Beaufort scale. More concerning are the predicted gusts that could exceed level 8, creating potentially hazardous conditions for smaller vessels and coastal activities. These wind patterns represent localized intensification not expected to impact Taiwan's main island with the same severity.
While weather conditions remain favorable for most outdoor activities, air quality presents a more complex picture across different regions. The Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (環境部空氣品質預報) has identified a concerning pattern developing under the influence of a high-pressure system that will trap pollutants over northern Taiwan. This meteorological condition is expected to facilitate the photochemical reactions that produce ground-level ozone, with concentrations likely peaking during afternoon hours. Eastern regions including Hualien and Taitung continue to enjoy "Good" air quality ratings, while central and southern areas such as Hsinchu and Kaohsiung maintain "Moderate" conditions. Most troubling is the "Unhealthy" air quality designation for northern Taiwan, where sensitive groups may experience adverse health effects.
Health officials recommend that residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, heart disease, or other sensitivities, adjust their outdoor activities according to both weather and air quality forecasts throughout the day. Elderly individuals and children should limit strenuous outdoor exertion during peak afternoon hours when ozone levels typically reach their highest concentrations in affected areas. The dual challenges of significant temperature variations and deteriorating air quality in certain regions underscore the importance of staying informed through official channels and planning daily activities accordingly to maintain comfort and health during these transitional late-March conditions.
