Breaking News: Continental Cold Front Grips Northern Taiwan
A broad mass of cold air sweeping in from the mainland is driving noticeably cooler conditions across northern and northeastern Taiwan, with the rest of the island experiencing chilly mornings and evenings.
The Central Meteorological Management warns that from this afternoon through tomorrow morning, temperatures in several areas may hover around 10°C or lower, with orange alerts possible for unusually cold conditions.
New Taipei City and taoyuan City are specifically targeted for potential orange-level alerts, while Yilan County faces the same risk. Kinmen County is forecast to experience a yellow alert, with a chance of temperatures dipping below 10°C.
The agency also notes a risk of brief, localized rain in the north and eastern Taoyuan and the Hengchun Peninsula, along with sporadic showers across western mountain regions.
Forecasters say the mainland cold air will weaken tomorrow, but the next northeast monsoon is expected to intensify on December 30 and persist into January 2 of the new year.
Temperatures tomorrow will remain cold in manny places, with some areas around 12°C to 16°C in the morning and a daytime rise to the 18°C-25°C range depending on location. Snow has already been observed on high peaks such as the North Peak of Yushan, and a chance of snowfall remains on mountains above 3,000 meters in Yilan and Hualien.
Officials urge residents to dress warmly, ventilate indoor spaces when using gas or electric heaters, and protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the homeless. health precautions remain crucial as flu season continues.
Key Facts at A Glance
| Area | Alert Level | Low Temp (°C) | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Taipei City | Orange possible | Around 10 or below | Brief localized rain possible | No low-elevation snow expected |
| Taoyuan City | Orange possible | Around 10 or below | Brief localized rain possible | No low-elevation snow expected |
| Yilan County | Orange possible | Around 10 or below | brief localized rain possible | Snow on high peaks possible above 3,000 m |
| Kinmen County | Yellow alert | Below 10°C possible | Not specified | Unlikely at low elevations |
Evergreen Insights: Why This Cold Snap Endures
Episodes like this reveal how continental air masses interact with Taiwan’s climate system, briefly lowering temperatures and triggering regional alerts. They test heating readiness, electrical safety, and public health measures while reminding residents to heed local advisories and prepare for travel disruptions.
Looking ahead, meteorologists anticipate the northeast monsoon to regain strength around year-end and into early January, a pattern seen in temperate regions where seasonal winds shape daily life for weeks at a time.
Reader Questions
- How are you preparing for the cold front? Do you have sufficient heating and warm clothing?
- What steps will you take to protect vulnerable family members during this cold period?
Share your experiences and stay safe as this cold spell unfolds. If you found this update helpful, consider leaving a comment or sharing with friends.
