Central Weather Administration official Chen I-liang (陳怡良) said in the year-end press conference that the global average temperature from January to November is the hottest recorded since 1850, exceeding the 20th-century average by 1.15 degrees Celsius.
Taiwan's annual average temperature also set a record as the 6th warmest since 1898, aligning with global warming trends. Rainfall was close to the climatic norm at 90%, but it was concentrated mainly in the May to October monsoon and typhoon seasons. Notably, the year had the second-lowest number of rainfall days since 1951, with only 117.7 days, 23.9 days less than the climate norm.
Despite the lower number of typhoons generated in 2023, 17 compared to the average of 25.4, Taiwan experienced a significant impact, with 4 typhoons hitting the island. Looking ahead, the CWA anticipates normal to above-normal temperatures and rainfall in Taiwan for the first quarter of next year, with a reminder to remain vigilant against potential cold fronts during the traditionally coldest months of January and February.