Temperatures rise from single digits in parts of Taiwan Monday

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) The single-digit temperatures that were recorded in some residential areas of Taiwan early Monday were expected to give way to warmer weather later in the day, as the seasonal northeasterly winds subside, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

In the early hours of Monday, the mercury dropped to 8.7 degrees Celsius in Miaoli County's Sanwan Township and to 9.4 degrees in Hsinchu County's Emei Township, due to radiative cooling and northeasterly winds, the CWA reported.

As the seasonal winds ease, however, daytime temperatures in Miaoli are forecast to rise to 13-22 degrees later Monday, while Hualien, as well as Yilan County, can expect highs of 23-26 degrees, the CWA said.

Temperatures of 19-22 degrees are forecast for northern Taiwan during the day, and 23-26 degrees in other parts of the country, according to the CWA.

The agency has cautioned, however, that central and southern regions of the country are likely to see steep temperature drops Monday night, with the mercury plunging by about 8-10 degrees in areas south of Taichung.

It also warned of wind gusts in low-lying coastal areas from Taoyuan to Yunlin County, on the Hengchun Peninsula, in Penghu County, and on Green Island and Orchid Island, due to the lingering effects of the seasonal winds.

Meanwhile, some rain can be expected in eastern Taiwan and on the Hengchun Peninsula in the south, while occasional showers are forecast for northern Taiwan and the offshore counties of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, according to the CWA.

Going into Tuesday, northern, eastern and central Taiwan are likely to see some rain, according to independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮).

In northern Taiwan, temperatures are expected to dip Tuesday, and snow may fall at elevations of over 3,000 meters, Wu said Monday.

For the rest of the week, mostly sunny skies are forecast across Taiwan, except for the eastern areas, according to the CWA.