Taipei's Air Quality Faces Deterioration: Forecast Predicts Unhealthy Levels

Authorities Warn of Worsening Air Quality Across Taipei on Sunday, Urging Public Caution

Taipei, March 23 - Residents of Taipei should prepare for a decline in air quality this Sunday, as stagnant winds are predicted to trap pollutants and potentially lead to unhealthy levels, according to the city's environmental authorities.

In a statement released via social media, the Taipei City Department of Environmental Protection announced that meteorological forecasts suggest air quality across western Taiwan will worsen due to reduced wind speeds, which will limit the dispersion of pollutants.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Taipei metropolitan area is projected to exceed 150 in the afternoon, signaling unhealthy air quality conditions for all demographics, the department warned.

In response to the forecast, the department is advising the public to minimize outdoor activities and to utilize face masks when venturing outside.

The Ministry of the Environment (MOENV) has indicated that unhealthy air quality conditions are anticipated to prevail across all cities and counties in the western half of Taiwan on Sunday, with the exception of Miaoli and Hsinchu.

However, as of 2 p.m., air quality readings at most monitoring stations in western Taiwan fell within the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, as per data released by the MOENV.