CWA issues cold surge warnings as continental air mass intensifies

Taipei, March 16 (CNA) The Central Weather Administration (CWA) on Sunday issued low temperature alerts for several areas in northern Taiwan, warning that a strong continental cold air mass will continue to push temperatures downward through Monday.

The affected regions include New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Keelung City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Miaoli County and Yilan County, where minimum ground-level temperatures could drop below 10 degrees Celsius, or even below 6 degrees in some areas, forecasters said.

Early Sunday morning, New Taipei's Wugu District recorded the nation's lowest temperature at 9.2 degrees, and meteorologists predict that some low-lying areas could see temperatures fall to 5 degrees between March 17 and 20.

According to the CWA, daytime highs on Sunday will remain low, with northern and northeastern Taiwan reaching only 14-15 degrees, central Taiwan and Hualien 17-19 degrees, and other regions 21-23 degrees.

By nighttime, temperatures will drop further, with lows of 11-14 degrees in central and northern Taiwan and 9-13 degrees in outlying Lienchiang County.

The cold air mass may also bring snowfall in mountainous areas above 3,000 meters on Sunday night, with icy and slippery road conditions expected, the administration warned.

Meanwhile, air quality forecasts indicate that the cold air mass, combined with northeasterly winds, may carry minor pollutants from overseas, according to the Ministry of Environment. The impact will depend on rainfall and pollutant accumulation, with central and southern Taiwan more susceptible to fluctuations in air quality.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said high-pressure systems will dominate Taiwan's weather from March 17 to 20, bringing clear skies and stable conditions.

Temperatures are expected to gradually rise between March 21 and 25, though early morning lows in some areas may still dip below 10 degrees, he added.

Due to strong northeasterly winds causing rough seas, ferry operators have canceled services between Taitung City and Green Island for Sunday afternoon and all day on March 17. Sailings between Taitung City and Orchid Island have also been canceled for the entire day on March 17.