The EPA forecasted that the air quality in western Taiwan on 4 March 2018 would be at the most severe level because of poor atmospheric dispersion conditions due to weaker morning wind speeds. The AQI in northern Taiwan and the Hsinchu/Miaoli emission control zones was predicted to flash red for the day, but it was possible to drop to orange level if there were stronger wind speeds and better atmospheric dispersion conditions in the morning. However, with reduced wind speed at night and the accumulation of pollutants, the AQI level could resume to a red level. Affected by transboundary pollutants, Matsu Island and Kinmen Island were expected to receive red or orange alerts on 4 March. Orange alerts were also issued to central Taiwan and the Yunlin/Chiayi/Tainan emission control zones. On the other hand, the air quality in the Kaohsiung/ Pingtung zones and Penghu was rated moderate and the air quality in Yilan and Hualien/Taitung zones was rated good.

To reduce the impact of air pollution on the following day, Taiwan Power Company started to take voluntary reduction measures and cut electricity output at the following plants starting on 2 March: Taichung Power Plant, Hsinta Power Plant, Hsiehho Power Plant, and Linkou Power Plant. In the meantime, various government-owned enterprises tried to help improve the air quality by increasing the use of natural gas to avoid burning more highly polluting fuel and by tightening the equipment testing and the regular inspections both within and around the plants. Moreover, they stopped soot blowing, increased the frequency of water sprinkling at raw material storage sites to prevent fugitive dust, operated in high energy efficient mode, and reduced pollutant emissions and total electricity output.

The EPA also reminded all participants of the Tainan Ancient Capital International Marathon held on the following day to carefully monitor their own health conditions. They were advised to immediately seek medical help if any symptoms were detected.

The EPA and government at all levels will continue taking emission reduction measures. The EPA will also keep a close eye on air quality changes and track the effectiveness of air pollution control measures.