Even though the spring equinox is just around the corner, a number of Taiwan’s tallest mountains saw snow Tuesday morning, with a chance of continued snowfall through Wednesday.
The cold air mass and South China cloud system affected Yushan, Mount Hehuan, Lala Mountain, and several other of the country’s highest peaks; there was enough snow in Hsinchu’s Jianshi Township that their elementary school suspended classes for the day. Dahe Village in Miaoli recorded the lowest temperature on Taiwan’s plains, at just 8.9°C.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) says that although this initial cold air mass has weakened slightly and rain is expected in some areas, another strong continental cold air mass is expected to keep temperatures chilly through Thursday. Lows throughout northern Taiwan may drop to 9-10°C.
Meteorologists explain that it is not uncommon for Taiwan to have snow in March, especially on Yushan, where snow has previously been recorded all the way through April. However, this spring has been colder than usual due to the influence of the La Niña climate pattern.
In the past, cold air masses have hit Taiwan as late as April 29 in 1968 and May 20 in 1951. It remains to be seen whether this particular cold snap will be winter’s last gasp.