TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Taiwan's tallest peak, Yushan, saw 1 centimeter of snow early this morning, while Xueshan and Hehuanshan could soon also see snow accumulation, announced the Central Weather Bureau (CWB).
From 2:10 a.m. to 3:50 a.m. this morning, 1 centimeter of snow fell on Yushan, according to the CWB. A strong continental cold air mass, which arrived late on Tuesday (March 4), is expected to peak from tonight to tomorrow morning.
Meteorological experts said that alpine areas of Taiwan, such as Yushan and Xueshan, could likely see more snow today and tomorrow. Hehuanshan is also expected to see snowfall from tonight to tomorrow morning.
Snow at CWB weather station on Yushan. (CWB image)
The CWB predicts the low temperature today in low-lying areas of northern, northeast, and central Taiwan wil dip to 11 degrees Celsius. Southern and eastern Taiwan will see the mercury dip down to between 15 and 17 degrees.
Due to the power of this cold air mass, temperatures will not rise much during the day. The mercury across Taiwan is not expected to rise above 20 degrees today.
In addition to the cold air mass, clouds and rain from southern China will also have an impact. Rainfall in all parts of Taiwan will continue through the weekend, with heavy rain likely to be seen until Saturday, when precipitation is expected to diminish.
Snow at CWB weather station on Yushan. (CWB image)
Wu Der-rong (吳德榮), a meteorologist and adjunct associate professor of atmospheric sciences at National Central University, said from tonight to tomorrow morning, open areas along the coast of northern Taiwan will see low temperatures dip to 11 degrees, while high terrain could see the mercury drop to 10 degrees. Wu said that Yushan, Xueshan, and other mountainous areas with an elevation over 3,500 meters, are expected to see snow.
The mercury is expected to dip down to zero degrees on Hehuanshan this evening, possibly resulting in snowfall on that mountain as well, said Wu.
Snow at CWB weather station on Yushan. (CWB image)
Snow at CWB weather station on Yushan. (CWB image)
