Affected by a cold air mass from China, Taiwan will experience its coldest period so far this year. Starting yesterday evening until Sunday, the mercury is expected to drop to as low as 8˚C in central parts of the country, the Central Weather Bureau said yesterday.
“A cold air mass is affecting us. So far, the lowest temperature observed was 15˚C in Tamsui (淡水), Taipei County. However, temperatures across the country are expected to drop even lower tonight as well as tomorrow morning,” senior forecaster Wu Wang-hua (伍婉華) said.
“Temperatures in the north will be around 11˚C or 12˚C. The cold spell will last until Sunday, with temperatures predicted to be the lowest in the morning and evening,” she said.
PHOTO: CNA
The bureau has issued a low-temperature advisory so that people can make preparations to combat the cold, she said.
At about 11am yesterday, snow was observed on Yushan (玉山), where temperatures dropped to minus 0.9˚C, Wu said, adding that because the climate was dry, the snow only appeared on the ground for about half an hour.
“Because of the dryness of the cold air mass, chances of further snow on Jade Mountain and other areas are low,” Wu said.
Regions north of Chiayi, especially open spaces or areas along the coast, regions in the northeast, as well as outlying islands Kinmen and Matsu will be the coldest, with temperatures dropping below 10˚C, Wu said, adding that the lowest temperatures were expected to be 8˚C in Chiayi, Changhua and Yunlin counties, and 7˚C in Matsu.
While central and southern parts of the country would still be in the 20s Celsius during the day, the areas would experience temperature differences of as much as 13˚C during the night, she said.
The cold front is expected to pass on Monday, Wu said, adding that temperatures would probably not pick up until Tuesday.
The bureau called on people to be cautious when using gas heaters while showering to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and advised people going outside to dress warmly.
In related news, the Council of Agriculture yesterday urged agricultural and fish farmers to take precautionary action to reduce losses, adding that in addition to covering up plantations or fish farms to prevent frostbite, farmers whose crops are near maturation should consider early harvest.
The council said it would help with relief fund applications if damage caused by the cold front exceeded levels stipulated in the Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Regulations.
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