Yushan hit with 0.5 cm of snow

Taipei, Jan. 3 (CNA) Taiwan's highest mountain, Yushan, experienced snowfall on Thursday evening, with about 0.5 cm accumulated as of 6 a.m. on Friday, according to the Central Weather Administration's (CWA) Yushan Weather Station.

The weather station said the snowfall started at 8:40 p.m. and lasted about 35 minutes, covering more than half of its surface.

Meanwhile, seasonal northeasterly winds are expected to bring humidity and localized sporadic rain to the Greater Taipei area, eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula on Friday, the CWA forecast.

In Yunlin County and areas to the south, as well as mountainous regions of central Taiwan, the weather will gradually turn from rainy to cloudy throughout the day. Other parts of the country are expected to see cloudy to sunny skies.

Regarding temperature, northern Taiwan can expect highs of 16-18 degrees Celsius, while other areas could hit 19-22 degrees, the CWA predicted.

After nightfall, temperatures in Yilan County and areas north of Tainan will drop to 13-15 degrees and 16-18 degrees in other regions, according to the CWA.

Furthermore, the CWA issued strong wind advisories between Miaoli County and Tainan, the Hengchun Peninsula and outlying Orchid Island, Green Island and Penghu County. Gusts of over 75 kilometers per hour are predicted.

The CWA also warned of strong winds and big waves along the coasts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu County and outlying Kinmen and Matsu.

In addition, the CWA said mountainous areas over 3,500 meters in northern and central Taiwan could see sporadic snow.