TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A strong continental cold air mass will bring temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius (50.0°F) to Taiwan's outlying islands starting Tuesday (Dec. 30), according to weather officials. The Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) forecast a northeast monsoon intensification will drop temperatures across northern and northeastern Taiwan through the New Year period. The cold weather pattern will persist through early January as the air mass moves southward across the island.
Temperatures from Tuesday (Dec. 30) to Thursday (Jan. 1) will range between 14-17 degrees Celsius (57.2-62.6°F) in northern and eastern Taiwan, with Matsu (馬祖) experiencing the coldest conditions at 10-14 degrees Celsius (50.0-57.2°F). Kinmen (金門) will see lows of 13-15 degrees Celsius (55.4-59.0°F), while Penghu temperatures range from 17-19 degrees Celsius (62.6-66.2°F). High temperatures will reach 24-27 degrees Celsius (75.2-80.6°F) in central and southern regions, significantly warmer than northern areas.
The northeast monsoon will bring cooler mornings and evenings across Taiwan on New Year's Eve, with brief rain showers anticipated in areas north of Hsinchu and northeastern regions throughout the holiday. Taoyuan and northern areas will experience isolated showers, while scattered rain is possible in Hsinchu-Miaoli, eastern regions, southeastern areas, and Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島). The weather pattern will affect New Year celebrations across the island's northern half with intermittent precipitation.
The cold air mass will continue influencing Taiwan's weather until Saturday (Jan. 3), with persistent cold conditions and localized showers affecting Taoyuan and northern regions, the eastern half, and Hengchun Peninsula throughout the period. The cold front will weaken slightly Sunday (Jan. 4), but northern and northeastern regions will remain chilly with isolated rain showers continuing into the new week. ◼
