Taipei: Eastern Taiwan and areas north of Taoyuan are bracing for showers on Thursday as seasonal northeasterly winds strengthen, while the rest of the country will experience mostly cloudy to sunny skies. According to Focus Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has indicated that mountainous areas south of Chiayi County should also prepare for brief afternoon showers. Daytime temperatures on Thursday are projected to reach highs of 29-30 degrees Celsius in areas north of Taoyuan and 31-32 degrees in regions south of Hsinchu County. However, temperatures are expected to drop significantly at night, ranging between 22-24 degrees, prompting the CWA to advise caution regarding the substantial temperature differences. The strengthening northeasterly winds are likely to bring heavier rain to the north coast and northeastern Taiwan by Friday. The rain is expected to persist in eastern Taiwan and areas north of Taoyuan, while other parts of the island will remain mostly cloudy, with potential afternoon showers in Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, and mountainous regions. The weekend forecast includes brief showers along the north coast, Greater Taipei area, eastern Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula in the south. Most other areas will stay mostly cloudy, with a chance of afternoon showers. From Monday through Wednesday, brief showers are expected in the Greater Taipei area, eastern Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula, while other regions will enjoy sunny skies with potential afternoon showers. In addition to weather changes, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) issued an "orange alert" for air quality in central and southern Taiwan on Thursday, warning of "unhealthy" conditions for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. In contrast, air quality remained "good" in eastern Taiwan and "normal" in northern Taiwan.