Cool, wet weather forecast for Taiwan on New Year's Eve

Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) Temperatures across Taiwan are forecast to drop to around 17 degrees Celsius across Taiwan on New Year's Eve on Sunday as a northeasterly wind system strengthens, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Meanwhile, a cloud system from southern China shifting east toward Taiwan is expected to bring sporadic rain to eastern, central, and northern regions on Sunday, with cloudy skies and occasional drizzle forecast for the south, the CWA said.

The outlying islands of Penghu, Matsu, and Kinmen are expected to see cloudy or sunny skies, it added.

On Sunday morning, temperatures of 16-19 degrees were detected across Taiwan, and the mercury was unlikely to rebound significantly during the day due to abundant moisture coupled with cold air, with highs of 20-22 degrees forecast for the north and 23-25 degrees in other areas.

After the night falls, the cold air mass will strengthen, sending temperatures dipping to 14-15 degrees in northern and northeastern Taiwan, and 16-18 degrees in other areas overnight during New Year's Eve, the CWA said, reminding people attending New Year's festivities to stay warm.

The northeasterly wind system's effects will continue until Tuesday next week when the north and northeast will still experience cool temperatures, the CWA forecast.

On Monday, the first day of 2024, the weather will remain cool in northern and northeastern regions of Taiwan, with highs of 17-19 degrees predicted, while central and southern Taiwan can expect 22-24 degrees, according to the weather agency.

In terms of precipitation, occasional showers were forecast for the Greater Taipei area, the north coast in Keelung, and eastern Taiwan, while the other areas could see cloudy or sunny skies, the CWA said.

People living south of Hsinchu and the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu have a higher chance of seeing the sunrise on New Year's Day, while areas north of Taoyuan and the eastern half of Taiwan are expected to see the sunrise through clouds, according to the CWA.

In addition, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) said that with strengthening northeasterly winds carrying pollutants to Taiwan, the air quality index was flashing a "red" warning Sunday for Kinmen, advising people in the outlying islands not to go outdoors.

It also issued an "orange" warning -- which indicates unhealthy air quality that could impact the elderly, children, and people with cardiac or respirator conditions -- for southern Taiwan and the outlying Matsu islands.