TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Northern and northeastern Taiwan braces for a cold, wet start to the week as the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) issued warnings Monday (March 31) of significant rainfall across multiple regions. Residents in northern, northeastern, and central areas should prepare for persistent showers, with meteorologists predicting particularly heavy downpours in isolated locations. Morning and evening temperatures will remain notably chilly, with northern and northeastern regions experiencing lows between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius (53.6°F and 57.2°F), while Keelung's exposed northern coastline could see temperatures plummet below 10 degrees Celsius (50°F).
The mercury will struggle to rise during daylight hours, with northern and northeastern Taiwan reaching maximum temperatures of just 15 to 17 degrees Celsius (59°F to 62.6°F). Central regions and Hualien will fare slightly better with anticipated highs between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius (64.4°F and 71.6°F), while southern areas could warm to between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius (75.2°F and 80.6°F). Weather officials have also issued wind advisories as powerful northeasterly gusts threaten coastal areas from Kaohsiung northward, particularly affecting Keelung's northern shoreline, the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), and outlying islands. Wind speeds could exceed level 8 on the Beaufort scale, prompting the CWA to warn against maritime and coastal recreational activities.
Mountainous areas above 3,500 meters in northern, northeastern, and eastern Taiwan may experience sporadic snowfall. Ice and frost could form on roads, creating hazardous conditions for mountain activities. The Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (環境部空氣品質預報) reported that southern Taiwan, being downwind, may see a slight increase in ozone concentration in the afternoon. Air quality remains "good" in several regions, while northern Taiwan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung experience "moderate" levels. ++++++
High-elevation regions present additional hazards as the unseasonable cold front pushes through the island. Mountainous terrain above 3,500 meters in northern, northeastern, and eastern Taiwan could see intermittent snowfall, and even hail, throughout the day. Transportation officials warn that ice and frost formation on mountain roads may create treacherous driving conditions, urging hikers and visitors to exercise extreme caution or postpone planned excursions. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (環境部空氣品質預報) indicates that southern regions, positioned downwind of urban centers, may experience elevated ozone levels during afternoon hours. While several areas maintain "good" air quality ratings, monitoring stations in northern Taiwan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung currently register "moderate" pollution levels.
Weather authorities encourage residents to monitor evolving conditions closely through official channels and to implement appropriate protective measures, including carrying rain gear and wearing adequate layers when venturing outdoors.
