The first cold air mass this autumn is expected to arrive in Taiwan next week, sending temperatures in northern parts of the country to 13-14 degrees Celsius, the Central Weather Bureau said Thursday.

A cold front moving toward the country is expected to develop into a new wave of northeasterly winds or a continental cold air mass on Nov. 8 or Nov. 9, sending the mercury down to 13-14 degrees in northern and eastern Taiwan, and 17-18 degrees in other areas.

The cold weather will last for about one week before temperatures rise on Nov. 13, CWB forecaster Chang Cheng-chuan (???) told CNA.

Friday is the only day in that period for which fine weather is forecast with most areas around Taiwan set to enjoy cloudy to sunny weather, according to Chang.

However, sporadic rainfall is forecast in Keelung and other northern coastal areas, eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County on Friday, Chang said.

On Saturday, as a weather front passes through Taiwan, northern and eastern areas could also experience rainfall, while intermittent showers are expected in central and southern Taiwan, according to Chang.

From Sunday, northeasterly winds will increase in strength and bring cool weather to northern and northeastern parts of the country.

On Monday and Tuesday next week, northern and eastern Taiwan will see occasional rain, while mountainous areas can expect sporadic rainfall before moisture reduces next Wednesday, with the dry weather forecast to last until Nov. 13, according to Chang.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel