Taipei: A strong continental cold air mass is set to move into Taiwan on New Year's Day Thursday, leading to a significant drop in temperatures to lows of around 10 degrees Celsius in some areas over the subsequent days.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has reported that the system will begin affecting the region on Wednesday, bringing with it a chance of rain to northern and eastern Taiwan. High temperatures in these areas are expected to range between 19-22 degrees Celsius.

CWA forecaster Cheng Chieh-jen informed CNA that central and southern Taiwan should anticipate clear to cloudy conditions on Wednesday, with temperatures peaking between 24-27 degrees Celsius. As the cold air mass progresses southward on Thursday, temperatures are forecasted to drop further, with rain showers and lows of 14-15 degrees predicted for the north and Yilan, while the south and east can expect lows of 16-18 degrees.

The cold snap is projected to persist through the weekend, with the coldest temperatures anticipated on Saturday. On this day, lows are expected to fall to between 9-12 degrees in northern and central Taiwan and 13-15 degrees in the south. High temperatures for Saturday are forecasted to be around 14-15 degrees in the north and Yilan, 16-19 degrees in central Taiwan, and approximately 21 degrees in the south.

Cheng also noted the possibility of snow on Friday, contingent on temperature and moisture levels. Snowfall could occur on mountains with elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters in the north, as well as on mountains in central Taiwan with elevations above 3,000 meters.