Heavy rain alert issued Monday for parts of Taiwan

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a heavy rain advisory for northern and eastern areas of Taiwan on Monday, saying an approaching seasonal northeasterly wind system will bring downpours and cooler temperatures.

The heavy rain alert covers Keelung and other north coast areas, Taipei and New Taipei, and the eastern county of Hualien, the CWA said, warning of accumulated rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters in 24 hours or 100 mm within three hours.

The heavy rain advisory is expected to remain in effect through Monday night, the CWA said, adding that the rainfall is likely to be heavier in windward areas.

The approaching seasonal northeasterly wind system is also expected to bring lower temperatures to northern and eastern Taiwan, with daytime highs ranging between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius on Monday, the CWA said, noting that the highs the previous day ranged from 32-34 degrees.

Nighttime lows in northern and eastern Taiwan are forecast to drop to around 22 degrees, according to the CWA.

If the seasonal winds persist, nighttime temperatures in northern and eastern Taiwan may drop to 21-22 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, but the rain will ease on Tuesday, the CWA said.

Meanwhile, central and southern Taiwan are less likely to be affected by the seasonal winds, with temperatures expected to remain at 32-34 degrees during the day and 23-25 degrees at night, the CWA said.

The seasonal wind system will weaken on Thursday, but another one is expected to arrive Friday, though it is not expected to be as strong, the CWA said.

That means relatively stable weather conditions can be expected over the upcoming National Day weekend, particularly in central and southern Taiwan, the CWA said.

According to independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮), temperatures in low-lying areas of northern and eastern Taiwan may fall to lows of around 16 degrees Wednesday through Friday due to possible radiative cooling -- the cooling of the ground under clear skies, light winds and dry conditions.