TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOEN, 環境部) announced on Monday (Jan. 5) that a strong continental cold air mass arriving Tuesday (Jan. 6) will bring external pollutants affecting Taiwan's air quality. Most regions will experience orange-level alerts, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and signaling a need for caution. The ministry anticipated external pollutants would enter Taiwan with the cold air mass starting early Tuesday, with particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in affected Chinese areas ranging from 65 to 160 micrograms per cubic meter.
Officials noted that a haze has persisted in areas from Shandong to Shanghai in China since Friday (Jan. 3), contributing to the incoming pollution. The ministry pointed out that air quality in central and northern Taiwan should improve from Thursday (Jan. 8), though southern regions should remain vigilant for pollutant accumulation. Southern areas, being downwind, might still face orange-level alerts even as conditions improve elsewhere in Taiwan.
The MOEN predicted that the influence of external pollutants will lessen from Thursday (Jan. 8), with air quality in central and northern Taiwan returning to normal levels. The ministry emphasized the significant impact of meteorological conditions on air quality, urging the public to stay updated with the latest information. The MOEN advised personal protection during poor air quality periods and recommended paying attention to air quality warnings issued by the ministry. ◼
