Sunny weather forecast Monday, highs to reach 30°C

Taipei, March 24 (CNA) Cloudy to sunny skies are forecast for much of Taiwan on Monday, with daytime highs expected to hit 30 degrees Celsius in the island's western half, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

However, there will be large day-night temperature differences, the CWA said.

Slightly lower temperatures of 26-27 degrees are forecast in the eastern half of the country, with 15-25 degrees forecast in Taiwan's offshore islands including Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, it said.

Due to the influence of a high-pressure system, Taiwan could also likely see temperatures exceed 30 degrees between Tuesday and Thursday, independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said.

Wu said that a cold air system is expected to arrive early Friday, which will send temperatures drastically lower until Sunday.

Localized showers and chilly winds are also expected, he added.

The impact of the cold air mass is expected to weaken from March 31, but rain could still fall in the north, the meteorologist said.