A strong cold surge continues to grip Taiwan, with temperatures dropping sharply across the island. Early this morning, Shihding District in New Taipei City recorded a low of 8.4°C, the coldest temperature on Taiwan proper.
Cold surge advisories remain in effect for most regions, with warnings that temperatures could fall below 10°C through tonight. Several northern and northeastern areas are under a higher-level alert, indicating prolonged cold conditions and the possibility of temperatures dipping below 6°C.
Many central and southern regions are also experiencing unusually low temperatures, with minimums expected to remain under 10°C. Outlying islands have reported even colder conditions, with some low-elevation areas falling to between 5°C and 7°C.
Meteorologists attribute the cold weather to a strong continental cold air mass combined with radiational cooling, a phenomenon where heat escapes from the ground during clear and calm nights, intensifying the chill.
Forecasts indicate that the cold air will continue to affect Taiwan through Saturday morning. Clear and stable weather is expected to further enhance overnight cooling. While temperatures in high-altitude areas above 2,000 meters may drop below freezing, snowfall is considered unlikely.