Cold, wet weather forecast in run-up to Lunar New Year

Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Rain and low temperatures will prevail across Taiwan ahead of Lunar New Year's Day next Wednesday, but the weather will improve during the nine-day holiday period, meteorologists said Thursday.

From Thursday through Sunday, it will be rainy across Taiwan, due to the arrival of seasonal northeasterly and cloud systems from southern China, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Lows will range between 15 and 17 degrees nationwide, while highs of 19-20 degrees are expected in northern and eastern parts, and over 20 degrees in central and southern regions, the CWA said.

On Monday, a strong cold air mass is forecast to approach Taiwan, sending the mercury plunging to below 10 degrees Celsius in some areas, the CWA said.

From Sunday night into Monday, snow is likely to fall at elevations over 2,000 meters in northern and eastern Taiwan, while ground temperatures are expected to drop to around 9 degrees in northern areas of the country, the CWA said.

On Lunar New Year's Eve Tuesday and Lunar New Year's Day Wednesday, lows of 9-11 degrees will prevail in the north of the country and in Yilan in the east, while other parts of the country will see lows of 12-14 degrees, the CWA said.

Over the two days, the rain will ease and sunny skies will be seen around Taiwan, the CWA said.

On Feb. 1, the second to last day of the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday in Taiwan, another cold front is expected to approach the country, bringing down the mercury in northern and eastern Taiwan, the CWA said.