A dust storm is expected to cloud the entire length of Taiwan today, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said, advising those with respiratory problems to stay indoors.
The EPA said the dust storm, which formed in northern China earlier this month, swept to Inner Mongolia on Thursday and Friday. The storm, packing strong winds, has picked up sand from both eastern and southern directions.
The nation can expect poor air quality from early morning to afternoon, the EPA said, and advised people to refrain from engaging in strenuous outdoor activities and those with respiratory issues to stay inside. Along with the dust storm, a minor cold front will also pass through Taiwan today.
Due to the volatile weather changes often seen this time of the year, the EPA said the sand storm could quickly change direction, intensity and pace.
In related news, the Central Weather Bureau said yesterday that a cold air mass was to arrive in Taiwan last night and was expected to bring precipitation. While the cold air mass won’t affect central and southern Taiwan much, it would still bring the mercury down by 1˚C or 2˚C, it said.
It forecast the cold front would pass Taiwan by noon today and precipitation would be alleviated then.
The bureau said the weather is expected to remain stable until Wednesday, when another cold air mass is forecast to arrive in Taiwan.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
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