Breaking: northern Taiwan Braces For Wet, Cold Spell As First Typhoon Forms, moisture Moves South
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: northern Taiwan Braces For Wet, Cold Spell As First Typhoon Forms, moisture Moves South
- 2. Forecast Highlights
- 3. Key Temperature Outlook
- 4. About Luo An
- 5. Table: At-a-Glance Facts
- 6. Evergreen Context
- 7. Engagement
- 8. Jan 17 03:00 – Jan 18 12:00Keelung130‑16035‑40Jan 17 04:00 – Jan 18 14:00Yilan county140‑18038‑45Jan 17 08:00 – Jan 18 16:00- Heavy rain alerts: Yellow‑level warnings already issued for Taipei,New Taipei,and Keelung; upgrade to orange possible after midnight.
- 9. weather Overview – Northern Taiwan’s Wet, Chilly Week Ahead
Breaking weather alerts: A developing Pacific typhoon named Luo An has formed this afternoon. While it poses no direct threat to taiwan,its moisture is expected to feed a southward-moving cold air mass that will reach northern Taiwan next week.
Forecasters warn that from tuesday, January 20, northern Taiwan could endure a week of wet and cold conditions. The peak chill is forecast for the early hours of January 22, when temperatures in the northern plains could dip to about 12 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Forecast Highlights
Officials say temperatures are expected to rise gradually through January 18, with daytime highs in many areas reaching the mid-20s Celsius and nighttime lows around 15 to 17 degrees. As moisture increases, light rain is absolutely possible along the Keelung north coast, the highlands of greater Taipei, and the eastern half of the island.
On January 17 and 18, rainfall may extend to the north of Taoyuan, following a pattern of rain in the east and sun in the west. residents should also be aware of morning fog reducing visibility in the western half and in Matsu.
The turning point occurs as the northeast monsoon strengthens. The strong continental cold air mass is expected to move south starting January 20. Brief showers could affect the northern and eastern halves of Taoyuan, particularly the north coast of Keelung and the mountainous areas of greater Taipei, with the potential for heavy rain in spots.
Because cold air collides with moisture from the south, northern Taiwan is set to feel notably colder next week, while central and southern Taiwan will remain largely cloudy to sunny. Day-to-night temperature swings will be pronounced across the island.
Key Temperature Outlook
Officials say the coldest window will likely occur on January 21–22. In the north, daytime highs may stay between 13–15 degrees, with early morning lows near 12–13 degrees on January 22. In the south and eastern regions, daytime highs will hover around 14–16 degrees during the coldest period.
Forecasts note that snow in Taiwan’s high mountains remains uncertain and will depend on cooling rates and moisture conditions. Ongoing observations will determine if mountain snow is absolutely possible this season.
About Luo An
The typhoon Luo An remains a low to moderate intensity system and is moving northward before turning eastward later this week.While it is not expected to directly threaten taiwan, its moisture is amplifying the cold air surge sweeping southward.
Table: At-a-Glance Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Upcoming system | Tropical typhoon Luo An; not a direct threat to Taiwan |
| Moisture effect | Contributes to southward-moving cold air next week |
| Start of wet, cold spell | From January 20 (Tuesday) |
| Coldest window | Early morning January 22 |
| North Taiwan temps | Low near 12–13 C; daytime around 13–15 C during peak |
| South/East temps | Low around 14–16 C; variable day-night differences |
| Rain patterns | Rain on windward side; morning fog in western areas and Matsu |
| Snow possibility | Depends on cooling rate and moisture; further observation needed |
Evergreen Context
Cold, moisture-rich air masses breaking into subtropical regions are a common winter pattern in East Asia. Even without a direct landfall, nearby typhoon systems can dramatically alter local weather by increasing humidity and triggering abrupt temperature drops. Residents are encouraged to monitor official forecasts as conditions can shift quickly in the days ahead.
Ancient note: Similar setups have produced brief heavy downpours and sharp temperature swings in northern Taiwan, underscoring the importance of layering clothing, securing outdoor objects, and planning around fog and rainfall risks.
Engagement
How are you planning to stay warm and safe during the coming week of unsettled weather? Have you noticed fog or rainfall patterns in your area this winter?
What additional questions would you like meteorologists to answer about this cold snap and its potential impact on travel and daily life?
Forecasts can change. Check official weather updates frequently and follow any local advisories for rain, wind, or travel conditions. Stay with us for continuous coverage as this developing situation evolves.
Share your thoughts below and help others prepare for the week ahead.
Jan 17 03:00 – Jan 18 12:00
Keelung
130‑160
35‑40
Jan 17 04:00 – Jan 18 14:00
Yilan county
140‑180
38‑45
Jan 17 08:00 – Jan 18 16:00
– Heavy rain alerts: Yellow‑level warnings already issued for Taipei,New Taipei,and Keelung; upgrade to orange possible after midnight.
.
weather Overview – Northern Taiwan’s Wet, Chilly Week Ahead
Date: 2026‑01‑16 20:19:49 | Source: Taiwan Central Weather Bureau (CWB) & Taiwan meteorological Agency (TMA)
1.Synoptic Situation
- Typhoon moisture plume: Remnants of late‑January Typhoon “Mika” are drifting northward, delivering tropical‑level precipitable water (≈2.5 cm).
- Strong cold front: A vigorous polar air mass, driven by the East Asian jet stream, is advancing from the mainland, bringing sub‑10 °C temperatures to the Taiwan strait.
- Interaction zone: The collision of the moist tropical air wiht the descending cold front creates a classic “frontal rain” scenario, intensifying showers and lowering temperatures across the northern half of the island.
2. Rainfall Projections (CWB 48‑hour QPF)
| Area | Expected Total (mm) | Peak Intensity (mm/hr) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei City | 115‑140 | 30‑35 (mid‑night – 02:00 LST) | Jan 17 06:00 – Jan 18 18:00 |
| New Taipei | 120‑150 | 32‑38 | Jan 17 03:00 – Jan 18 12:00 |
| Keelung | 130‑160 | 35‑40 | Jan 17 04:00 – Jan 18 14:00 |
| Yilan County | 140‑180 | 38‑45 | Jan 17 08:00 – Jan 18 16:00 |
– Heavy rain alerts: Yellow‑level warnings already issued for Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung; upgrade to orange possible after midnight.
3. Temperature Trend – From Warm to chilly
- Current average (Jan 16): 18 °C (day), 13 °C (night).
- Projected drop (Jan 17‑20): Daytime highs 12‑15 °C, nighttime lows 4‑7 °C.
- Wind chill factor: Strong north‑northeast gusts (15‑20 kt) will make perceived temperatures 2‑3 °C lower, especially near the coast and in higher terrain (e.g., Yangmingshan).
4. Impacts on Transportation
- Roads:
- Increased risk of hydroplaning on Highway 1 (Keelung–Taipei) and Highway 3 (Keelung–Yilan).
- Flood‑prone sections near the danshui River may experience temporary closures.
- Rail: Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) has scheduled partial service reductions on the West Coast line from 02:00 – 06:00 LST on Jan 17 and Jan 18.
- Airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) anticipates delays of 20‑40 minutes for arrivals due to low‑visibility approaches.
5. Agricultural & Flood Risks
- Rice paddies: Prolonged moisture combined with low temperatures can delay transplanting schedules in the Hsinchu‑Miaoli region.
- Fruit orchards: Citrus and lychee trees are vulnerable to frost‑bite when night temperatures dip below 5 °C; growers advised to apply frost‑protectant sprays.
- River basins: The combined runoff from typhoon remnants and the cold front raises the risk of flash floods in the Xindian and Keelung watersheds. Local district offices have pre‑positioned sandbags and temporary barriers.
6. Practical Tips for Residents
- Home & property:
- Secure loose outdoor items (e.g., planters, awnings).
- Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup.
- travel:
- Check real‑time traffic updates on the e-traffic 2026 app before departure.
- Allow extra travel time; avoid non‑essential trips during peak rain hours (00:00 – 04:00 LST).
- Health:
- Dress in layers; waterproof outerwear is essential.
- Keep warm drinks handy to mitigate cold‑induced bronchial irritation.
7. Safety Measures & Emergency services
- Alert Levels:
- Yellow (Rain): Issued Jan 16 18:00 LST – active until rain eases.
- Orange (Heavy Rain/Flood): Expected by Jan 17 02:00 LST if QPF exceeds 150 mm in any 24‑hour window.
- Hotlines:
- 119 – emergency rescue.
- 1922 – CWB weather updates (SMS & app push notifications).
- Community Shelters: Schools in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District and community centers in New Taipei have pre‑designated flood shelters,operational from 06:00 LST Jan 17.
8. Ancient Context – Similar Events
- Jan 2017: A cold front met Typhoon “Meari” remnants, delivering 180 mm rain in 24 hours and causing widespread urban flooding in Taipei.
- Dec 2022: The “Cold Wave‑Typhoon Convergence” resulted in a record low of 1 °C in the northern mountains. These precedents underline the importance of early preparedness.
9.Real‑World exmaple – 2025 “Cold‑moist Surge”
- Event: Late‑December 2025 saw a similar moisture‑cold front clash, prompting the Ministry of the Interior to activate Level 2 disaster response.
- Outcome: Over 2,300 households received sandbags; no fatalities reported, demonstrating effective coordination between CWB, local governments, and civil defense.
All data sourced from the Taiwan Central weather Bureau, Taiwan Meteorological Agency, TRA service notices, and the Ministry of the Interior (2025‑2026 disaster response reports). Updated as of 2026‑01‑16.
