Taipei: A strong continental cold air mass is set to move southward starting Monday night into Tuesday, leading to a significant drop in overnight temperatures in low-lying regions across Taiwan, with temperatures predicted to fall to around 10-14 degrees Celsius, as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

According to Focus Taiwan, areas such as Taichung, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi County, Tainan, and Kaohsiung could experience temperatures dropping below 10 degrees early Tuesday morning due to radiative cooling effects, as warned by the administration. While daytime temperatures are expected to recover on Tuesday, reaching highs of 15-16 degrees in northern Taiwan and Yilan, 19-21 degrees in central Taiwan, and 22-24 degrees in the south, the country will remain under the influence of the cold air mass and radiative cooling through Thursday.

CWA forecaster Cheng Chieh-jen explained that although the cold air mass is likely to weaken slightly by Friday and Saturday, radiative cooling will continue to keep temperatures low. Between Wednesday and Saturday, early morning and late-night temperatures in low-lying areas are predicted to range from 9-14 degrees in central and northern Taiwan and Yilan, while southern and eastern Taiwan may see temperatures ranging from 13-16 degrees.

Daytime highs during this period are expected to reach 16-18 degrees in northern Taiwan and Yilan, and 21-24 degrees in central and southern regions. Additionally, a northeastern wind system is anticipated to influence Taiwan on Sunday and Monday, bringing mostly dry conditions but maintaining strong radiative cooling at night. Daytime highs in northern Taiwan could return to around 20 degrees, though parts of western Taiwan may experience day-night temperature differences of 10-13 degrees.

Concerning rainfall, brief showers are anticipated on Tuesday in eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula, while northern Taiwan might see brief rain before shifting to cloudy conditions. From Wednesday to Saturday, conditions are forecasted to be mostly cloudy to sunny nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment has issued a warning that the approaching cold air mass will carry transboundary air pollutants into Taiwan beginning Tuesday. Due to haze over eastern China, air quality across the nation is expected to deteriorate to an "orange alert" level, indicating it is unhealthy for sensitive groups.