TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Meteorologist Daniel Wu (吳德榮) said Taiwan will be affected by a strong continental cold air mass from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, with radiative cooling causing temperatures to drop to around 5 degrees Celsius.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued a cold surge advisory for much of northern and eastern Taiwan. On Sunday, temperatures fell to 7.5 C in New Taipei’s Shiding District, 7.7 C in Miaoli County’s Gongguan Township, and as low as 4.9 C in Kinmen, according to CNA.
Wu explained that the latest European weather model (ECMWF) indicates the cold air mass will bring sunny conditions, leading to slightly warmer daytime temperatures. However, radiative cooling after sunset is expected to result in extreme lows around 5 C.
The CWA has warned that cold weather could pose fatal risks to the elderly and vulnerable groups, potentially causing cardiac arrest. Since Jan. 1, the National Fire Agency has reported 437 deaths, with a peak of 54 fatalities on Friday, CNA reported.
Wu said the latest weather model simulations predict sunny and stable conditions will continue from Monday through Tuesday, with cold air gradually weakening and temperatures rising significantly each day.
However, a new weather front is expected to arrive on Wednesday, according to ECMWF simulations. This front will bring rain to northern and eastern Taiwan, along with another drop in temperatures heading into the weekend.