TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A cold air mass plunged temperatures to 7.4 degrees Celsius (45.3°F) in Guanxi (關西), Hsinchu, on Monday (Dec. 15). This marks Taiwan's first significant winter chill of the season. Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) reported in his National Central University (NCU, 中央大學) column that the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) predicts clear, stable weather through Tuesday morning. Nighttime lows may drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50°F) in central and northern regions despite daytime warmth.
The Taipei weather station recorded a low of 14.4 degrees Celsius (57.9°F) Sunday night (Dec. 14), signaling the cold front's arrival. Wu reported the lowest lowland temperatures across Taiwan. Guanxi (關西), Hsinchu, hit 7.4 degrees Celsius (45.3°F), while Touwu (頭屋), Miaoli, reached 8.5 degrees Celsius (47.3°F). Shiding (石碇), New Taipei, recorded 9.5 degrees Celsius (49.1°F), and Wenshan District (文山區), Taipei, saw 11.6 degrees Celsius (52.9°F).
Wu indicated daytime temperatures will rebound starting Tuesday (Dec. 16). Sunny conditions will continue across western Taiwan on Wednesday (Dec. 17) and Thursday (Dec. 18). However, moisture may increase along the eastern coast and northern areas, bringing isolated showers. By Friday (Dec. 19) and Saturday (Dec. 20), expanding cloud cover from the South China Sea could trigger brief mountain showers. Occasional drizzle may affect southern and central lowlands, though days will remain warm.
Wu added that weather may temporarily improve as clouds shift eastward on Sunday (Dec. 21). However, another northeast monsoon will arrive by evening, cooling northern Taiwan and bringing more rain to windward areas. The meteorologist advised residents to prepare for fluctuating weather conditions throughout the week as multiple weather systems affect the island. ◼
