Taipei, Taiwan — December 29, 2025
Cold air arriving shortly after New Year’s Day (January 1) is expected to strengthen further, with forecasters warning it could become the most powerful cold air mass of the winter so far, and possibly the season’s first cold wave to affect Taiwan.
According to the latest weather forecasts, the cold spell is projected to peak from Friday, January 2, through the early morning of Sunday, January 4, when temperatures are expected to reach their lowest levels. In northern Taiwan, overnight temperatures could drop to around 9°C, bringing a significant chill to the region.
WeatherRisk Company senior consultant Wu Sheng-yu shared data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), showing a steady temperature decline over the coming week. Forecasts for Taipei Songshan Airport indicate that daytime highs over the weekend may only reach 11–13°C, while nighttime lows could fall to single digits.
Wu said the cold air mass moving south on New Year’s Day is now highly likely to intensify into a severe continental cold air system, typically associated with Taipei temperatures of 12°C or lower. Whether it will meet the official criteria for a full cold wave will require further monitoring.
He added that the system is expected to follow a “wet-then-dry” pattern, with initial moisture followed by clearer conditions. This setup may enhance radiative cooling, potentially pushing temperatures even lower during late-night and early-morning hours.
Authorities are urging the public, especially the elderly and those with health conditions, to take precautions and stay warm as the cold weather intensifies over the next few days.