The season’s first strong continental cold air mass is arriving just in time for the New Year. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Wednesday to expect the coldest temperatures this Thursday and Friday.

Daytime highs in northern Taiwan have already dropped to about 18°C. After nightfall, lows will reach 14-17°C. As the cold air mass makes its way southward starting New Year’s Day, temperatures nationwide are expected to drop significantly. 

Northern and eastern Taiwan will remain cloudy during the first few days of 2026. Rain is expected along the northern coast of Keelung, the northeastern region, and the mountainous areas of Taipei. Central and southern Taiwan will be drier, with only higher elevations seeing more clouds and occasional rain showers.

By the first weekend of the New Year, rainfall should ease in Taipei, Taoyuan, and eastern Taiwan.