Taipei air quality to gradually worsen Sunday afternoon: Forecast

Taipei, March 23 (CNA) The air quality in Taipei is expected to gradually worsen Sunday due to stagnant winds, possibly reaching unhealthy levels during the afternoon, according to the city's environmental department.

In a statement on social media, the Taipei City Department of Environmental Protection said forecasts showed that the air quality across western Taiwan would deteriorate Sunday as weak winds limit pollution dispersal.

The air quality index (AQI) in the Taipei area is forecast to rise above 150 in the afternoon, indicating unhealthy air quality levels for all population groups, the department said.

In light of the air pollution, the department urged the public to limit the time they spend outdoors and to wear a mask if they have to go outside.

According to the Ministry of the Environment (MOENV), air quality levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels in every city and county in the western half of Taiwan on Sunday, with the exception of Miaoli and Hsinchu.

As of 2 p.m., however, air quality levels at most monitoring stations in western Taiwan were in the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, MOENV data showed.