Taiwan Weather Update: A Week of Shifts & Cooling Temperatures

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Taiwan’s weather patterns, from today’s sunny skies to the anticipated arrival of a significant cold air mass. We’ll cover temperature fluctuations, potential rainfall, and the latest on Tropical Storm Ewiniar (formerly a typhoon).

Current Conditions (March 12, 2026)

As of this morning, Taiwan enjoys clear skies with scattered cloud cover off the eastern coast. Rainfall is currently limited to areas over the eastern sea. Yesterday’s high temperatures ranged from 23°C to 29°C across the island.

Due to ‘radiational cooling,’ temperatures dipped overnight. As of 5:12 AM, the lowest temperatures recorded were 9.0°C in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, and 9.1°C in Touwu Township, Miaoli County. Most areas experienced lows between 10°C and 13°C.

The Approaching Cold Air Mass

The latest simulations from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) indicate sunny to partly cloudy skies today, with comfortable temperatures in the north and mild conditions in the south. However, a dry cold air mass is expected to move in tonight and tomorrow (March 13th), bringing clearer, colder weather.

The combination of ‘radiational cooling’ and the cold air mass increases the possibility of a ‘strong continental cold air mass’ being defined. Low temperatures across the island could drop to around 8°C. Warm clothing is strongly advised!

Weekend & Next Week’s Forecast (March 14th – 19th)

The weekend (March 14th & 15th) and the beginning of next week will continue to be influenced by a continental high-pressure system, resulting in clear and dry conditions. The cold air will weaken, leading to comfortable days in the north and mild temperatures in central and southern Taiwan. However, nighttime temperatures will remain low, with some areas potentially experiencing lows around 10°C. Expect significant temperature differences between day and night.

From Monday to Thursday (March 16th – 19th), Taiwan will be affected by easterly winds, transitioning to southeasterly winds. Conditions will remain sunny and dry, with gradually rising temperatures. Days will be comfortable, becoming mild, while evenings will be cool. The east coast may experience occasional, localized showers.

Looking Ahead (March 20th – 21st)

The weather models currently suggest a potential shift around Friday (March 20th) or Saturday (March 21st), but there is significant disagreement among different global models regarding the timing and intensity of this change. Further observation is required.

Tropical Storm Ewiniar Update

All forecasting agencies predicted this morning that Tropical Storm Ewiniar will rapidly weaken into a tropical depression. The Central Weather Bureau expects this to occur tonight, while the Japan Meteorological Agency predicted it this afternoon. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center never classified it as a typhoon. These discrepancies are not uncommon.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.

Image: Infrared enhanced satellite imagery from 4:30 AM today shows clear skies over Taiwan and scattered clouds off the eastern coast. Radar imagery shows rainfall over the eastern sea.

Source: Central Weather Bureau (Taiwan)

Further information on global weather patterns can be found at: European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts