Lunar New Year Weather Update: Cold Snap and Gradual Warming
As we celebrate the second day of the Lunar New Year, a significant cold air mass is impacting Taiwan. The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) reported that Taipei recorded a temperature of 14°C this morning, falling below the 14.4°C threshold for a continental cold air mass. This upgrade means colder temperatures are here to stay, with a slow warming trend expected to begin tomorrow.
Current Weather Conditions (Lunar New Year Day 2)
Meteorologist Cheng Chieh-jen explains that with Taipei meeting the temperature criteria, the CWB will likely upgrade the current weather system from a northeasterly monsoon to a continental cold air mass. This will bring substantial day-night temperature differences, particularly in central and southern Taiwan. Expect scattered, brief showers along the northeast coast, in eastern Taiwan, and on the Hengchun Peninsula. Other areas will experience partly cloudy to sunny skies.
Looking Ahead: Warming Trends and Subsequent Moisture
“Starting on Lunar New Year Day 3, the cold air mass will weaken, and temperatures will gradually rise across the island,” Cheng stated. “However, a small wave of moisture from southern China will arrive on Lunar New Year Day 4.” Tomorrow, only eastern Taiwan will see occasional brief showers. But starting on Day 4, moisture levels will increase, bringing localized, brief showers to the northeast coast, Greater Taipei, eastern Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula.
Temperature Expectations
Days 3 and 4 will see similar temperatures. In northern, central, Yilan, and Hualien, lows will range from 12°C to 16°C, while southern and Taitung will experience lows between 16°C and 18°C. Daytime highs will be around 21°C to 23°C in Yilan and Hualien, 22°C to 24°C in the north and Taitung, and 25°C to 28°C in central and southern Taiwan.
Return to Work Weather (February 23rd)
From Lunar New Year Day 5 through the return to work on February 23rd, the weather will continue to warm up, with significant day-night temperature differences in the west. Most areas will be partly cloudy to sunny, with localized, brief showers in eastern, southeastern Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula, and scattered showers in the northeast.
The warming trend will be particularly noticeable on February 23rd, with daytime highs reaching 25°C to 28°C in the north and even 30°C in the south. However, another northeasterly monsoon will arrive on February 24th, causing a slight drop in temperatures.
Lunar New Year Weather Overview (CWB)
Lunar New Year Day 2 Weather Conditions (CWB)
Lunar New Year Day 2 Weather Conditions (CWB)
Source: Central Weather Bureau (CWB)
