Smog from China predicted to hit Taiwan early Sunday

Taipei, Jan. 5 (CNA) Smog from China is predicted to hit Taiwan early Sunday as seasonal northeasterly winds strengthen, which could result in an orange warning being issued across most of the country, according to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).

In a statement posted on its website, the MOENV said smog stretching from Shandong to Shanghai was detected on Friday.

Also detected was particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), with a concentration from around 80 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) in Shanghai, the MOENV said.

The smog is expected to reach Taiwan early Sunday, as seasonal northeasterly winds start strengthening on Saturday evening, the statement added.

An orange warning -- which indicates unhealthy air quality that could impact the elderly, children, and people with cardiac or respiratory conditions -- could be issued for Taiwan proper on that day, except eastern Taiwan, the MOENV said in the statement.

It added that PM2.5 concentration could reach 55-65 µg/m³ in northern Taiwan on Sunday.

According to the MOENV, the pollution is expected to ease in northern parts of the island starting Sunday evening, but could still accumulate in southern downwind areas.

The MOENV have asked state-run Taiwan Power Co. to implement load-shedding measures at its coal-fueled power plants, and have reminded local governments to monitor air quality conditions to ensure timely responses.

In addition, the MOENV have also notified environment protection as well as river authorities in southern Taiwan, including areas of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, of a likely chance of river dust and ground dust, and advised them that prevention work is needed.

Meanwhile, Central Weather Administration forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng (曾昭誠) told CNA that the weather on Saturday will be mostly sunny, with only eastern Taiwan seeing scattered showers.

He added that as the northwesterly winds strengthen Saturday evening, northern Taiwan and Yilan County in the northeast will experience lower temperatures of around 15 degrees Celsius on Sunday.