Taiwan prepares for wet weather over the New Year holidays

台灣新年假期天氣潮濕

Conditions will remain cold, rainy and humid, particularly in the north


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Bureau says residents ought to expect continued rain and cold weather over the holidays.

A report from the bureau states conditions in the north will remain cold, rainy and humid, while southern Taiwan will also be fairly cool. The bureau recommends residents wear warm clothing and prepare for rain at all times. Those living near the coast should watch out for big waves.

Low temperatures in Tainan (台南), northern and eastern Taiwan will be between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius. Other areas of the island can expect lows of between 15 and 16 degrees.

Highs in most parts of the north will be between 15 and 16 degrees, with temperatures increasing further south. Miaoli (苗栗), Hsinchu (新竹), Hualien (花蓮) and Taitung (台東) residents can expect highs of between 17 and 21 degrees. Other central and southern parts may reach 22 to 24 degrees, but the bureau warns of stark differences between day and nighttime temperatures.

Weather in southern regions will be fairly mild during the daytime; largely cloudy but with chances of the sun breaking through. However, clouds will become heavier in the latter half of the day, with chances of rainfall increasing.

Taoyuan (桃園), Keelung (基隆) and eastern Taiwan can expect short periods of rainfall throughout both days. There are chances of more frequent and heavier rainfall in Yilan (宜蘭) and the greater Taipei area—particularly mountainous regions.

Changes in the weather have washed away the smoggy air lingering over the west coast, but the bureau warns in the downwind areas of Pingtung (屏東) and Kaohsiung (高雄), air?may still be unhealthy for sensitive groups.