Guanxi:Hsinchu County Guanxi Township in northern Taiwan recorded a low of 14.9 degrees Celsius early Wednesday, marking the coldest temperature in any low-lying area of Taiwan due to radiation cooling, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).
According to Focus Taiwan, radiation cooling, which occurs when the ground loses heat under clear skies, light winds, and dry conditions, also caused temperatures to drop to 15.6 degrees in Yilan County's Nanao Township and 15.8 degrees in Miaoli County's Sanwan Township on Wednesday morning.
The CWA indicated that the effects of radiation cooling are expected to lessen with increased cloud cover later on Wednesday. However, a strengthening northeasterly seasonal wind system is anticipated to bring lower daytime temperatures to northern Taiwan. Highs in Taoyuan and areas north of it, as well as in Yilan and Hualien counties in eastern Taiwan, are forecasted to be between 27-29 degrees. Meanwhile, central and southern Taiwan, less affected by the seasonal winds, will experience warmer temperatures ranging from 30-33 degrees.
Daytime temperatures across Taiwan had reached 32-34 degrees on Tuesday. With the seasonal winds strengthening, the CWA issued a strong wind advisory for areas from Taoyuan to Tainan, Taitung County, the Hengchun Peninsula, Green Island, and the outlying islands of Penghu and Matsu, where average wind speeds are expected to reach 41-51 kilometers per hour or higher.
Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong, citing the latest European weather forecast model, predicted that lows in low-lying areas around Taiwan could range from 16 to 21 degrees on Wednesday night. Wu also noted that moisture levels would likely increase on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially bringing brief showers to the Greater Taipei area and other parts of northern Taiwan. In contrast, central and southern Taiwan should experience stable weather, except for brief afternoon showers in mountainous areas.
Air quality in western Taiwan might deteriorate over the next two days, Wu warned, advising those planning outdoor activities to take necessary precautions.