TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A northeast monsoon carrying pollutants is prompting multiple monitoring stations to issue orange air quality alerts on Wednesday.

On Monday, the Ministry of Environment reported dust storms in Inner Mongolia on Sunday, with haze observed from the Shandong Peninsula to Shanghai. It predicted the northeast monsoon would bring these pollutants to Taiwan starting Tuesday, affecting air quality nationwide.

The ministry’s Air Quality Monitoring Network said central and southern Taiwan, being downwind, are more prone to pollutant buildup, per CNA.  At 11 a.m., the network issued 31 orange alerts for air quality that is “unhealthy for sensitive groups," mainly in the south, while central and northern regions mostly recorded yellow or “moderate” air quality levels.

From Friday, wind patterns are expected to shift from northeast to east-northeast, potentially carrying cross-border pollutants that could accumulate in central and southern Taiwan. On Saturday and Sunday, winds will turn easterly, while local pollutants may build up in western Taiwan.

The ministry urged the public to take precautions. Sensitive groups, including the elderly and children, should reduce strenuous outdoor activities and wear masks.