TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Administration held a year-end press conference on Tuesday, announcing weather observations and predictions such as Taiwan's average annual temperature hit 24.97 C in 2024, the highest in more than a century, dating back to 1897.

CWA Weather Forecast Center Director Chen Yi-liang (陳怡良) said Taiwan's rising annual temperature was in line with global warming, with other countries also reporting higher temperatures. In terms of rainfall, Chen said Taiwan's annual accumulated rainfall was normal, but rainfall was unevenly distributed, per UDN.

Chen said spring rain and plum rain declined, with summer and autumn experiencing more rainfall due to typhoons.

Chen said 26 typhoons were generated in the northwest Pacific this year, slightly more than the average of 25.4. Four typhoon warnings were issued this year, with three making landfall: Typhoon Gaemi, Typhoon Krathon, and Typhoon Kong-rey.

Chen said sea surface temperature in December is cooler than normal in the eastern Pacific, indicating the onset of the La Nina phenomenon, though the intensity is weak, with conditions expected to return to normal after the spring of next year.

Analysis of various international weather models led Chen to expect the average temperature from January to March to be close to normal, with a similar projection for rainfall. Chen says a weak La Nina could lead to daily temperatures in January and February being lower than in previous years, not ruling out the possibility of extremely low temperatures in the next few months.

Chen reminded the public to be aware of proper indoor ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when using gas water heaters. Chen added that winter coincides with poor air quality due to foreign pollutants and poor dispersion. Thus, citizens sensitive to air quality should undertake necessary measures when venturing outside.