Today (3rd) is a working day in Taiwan. Meteorological experts in Taiwan have stated that the weather is getting colder as the day progresses, with dry and cold conditions expected in the coming days, along with snowfall in high mountain areas.
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Science at National Central University in Taiwan pointed out in a column for the “Meteorological Application Promotion Foundation” that the latest European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model simulation from the evening of the 2nd shows that a strong cold air mass is moving southwards today. There will be localized brief showers in the northern, eastern, and some mountainous areas, with a rapid drop in temperature. The northern part of Taiwan will become increasingly damp and cold as the night progresses, with the lowest temperature on the plains of northern Taiwan expected to drop to around 9 degrees Celsius tonight. Temperatures will also drop in central and southern Taiwan, with cool temperatures in the early morning and evening. There is a chance of snowfall above 2,000 meters in high mountain areas such as Mount Taiping and Mount Hehuan tonight and early tomorrow morning. Temperatures across different regions will range from 9 to 15 degrees Celsius in the north, 11 to 19 degrees Celsius in the central region, 12 to 22 degrees Celsius in the south, and 11 to 20 degrees Celsius in the east.
Wu Derong further mentioned that according to the latest European model simulation, on the 4th and 5th, the wet and cold weather will turn into dry and cold conditions, with a possibility of localized brief showers in some mountainous areas and the eastern part of Taiwan. Although the lowest temperature on the plains may drop to around 8 degrees Celsius, the probability of reaching the threshold for a “strong continental cold air mass” (10 degrees < Taipei Observatory ≤ 12 degrees) is still the highest. It is advisable to stay warm to maintain good health. There is a chance of sporadic snowfall above 3,000 meters in high mountain areas such as Mount Hehuan on the 5th.
Wu Derong also stated that the latest model simulations from various countries are gradually becoming more consistent. From the 6th to the 7th, temperatures will gradually rise daily, indicating a significant warming trend. Another wave of strong cold air is expected to move southwards on the afternoon of the 7th, with cold air enveloping the region from the 8th to the early morning of the 10th. The intensity of this upcoming cold air mass has been adjusted to be slightly stronger than the previous wave, but whether it will meet the standard for a "cold surge" (Taipei Observatory ≤ 10 degrees) remains uncertain. Further model adjustments are expected, and continuous monitoring is necessary to assess the situation.