TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A northeast monsoon brought cooler temperatures to northern and northeastern Taiwan on Thursday (Dec. 18), triggering intermittent rain along Keelung's north coast and Greater Taipei's mountainous areas. The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) issued a dense fog advisory for central and southern Taiwan, warning that visibility in Tainan and Chiayi could drop below 200 meters (219 yards).
Light rain is expected from Taoyuan northward, across Hualien and Taitung, and over the Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula, while areas from Hsinchu southward will see mostly cloudy to clear skies. Early morning temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68°F), with some areas slightly cooler. Daytime highs will reach 21 to 23 degrees Celsius (70 to 73°F) in the north and Yilan, and 24 to 27 degrees Celsius (75 to 81°F) in central, southern, and eastern regions.
The northeast monsoon will weaken on Friday and Saturday (Dec. 19-20), leading to a slight temperature rise in the north and Yilan. However, increased cloud cover and rain probability will accompany this change due to a northward-moving southern cloud system. Sunday (Dec. 21) will see the monsoon strengthen again, cooling the north and Yilan, with a chance of heavy rain in Keelong's north coast, Yilan, and Greater Taipei's mountainous areas.
The monsoon will intensify once more on Tuesday (Dec. 24), affecting weather through Christmas (Dec. 25), bringing cooler conditions to the north and Yilan, according to CWA forecasters. Other regions will remain cool in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures expected to drop slightly compared to earlier in the week. Residents should prepare for continued cold weather during the holiday period. ◼
