Cold air mass weakens, but another wave may hit Taiwan Jan. 1

Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA) A cold air mass that has affected Taiwan recently weakened Sunday, allowing temperatures to rebound, but another wave of cold air is forecast to move in on New Year's Day, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.

Temperatures remained cool early Sunday, with morning lows ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius before rising during the day, according to the CWA.

The lowest temperatures recorded in low-lying areas in Taiwan on Sunday morning were 12.3 degrees in Gukeng Township in Yunlin County and 12.6 degrees in Guanxi Township in Hsinchu County, CWA data showed.

Daytime highs are expected to reach 19-22 degrees in northern Taiwan and Yilan County, and around 23-25 degrees in central and southern Taiwan as well as in Hualien and Taitung counties in the east.

The CWA said temperatures in northern and northeastern Taiwan will continue to climb on Monday, but cloudy skies are forecast in most areas, with brief showers possible along the northern coast and in northeastern Taiwan.

Independent meteorologist Wu De-rong (吳德榮) said seasonal northeasterly winds are expected to strengthen slightly on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing increased cloud cover, a higher chance of brief rain and slightly lower daytime temperatures in the north.

Weather conditions elsewhere around Taiwan will remain stable and warm, he forecast.

Wu said another cold air mass is expected to begin moving in on New Year's Day and bring rain to northern and eastern Taiwan.

On Jan. 2-3, the system could reach "continental cold air mass" strength and even be classified as a "strong" continental cold air mass, though uncertainty remains.

Under CWA criteria, a continental cold air mass is defined as temperatures at Taipei's weather station hitting 14 degrees or lower, with stronger events pushing readings to around 10-12 degrees or below.