[Tee tiong huat]

Taipei, Dec. 16 (CNA) The mercury could dip below 10 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday due to a continental cold air mass, prompting cold surge advisories to be issued across parts of the country, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Advisories have been issued in New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Yilan, Kinmen and Miaoli, while, rainfall is expected in some areas north of Taoyuan and in northeastern parts of the country on Saturday, with sporadic showers likely to occur in other regions, the admin said.

A strong wind advisory has also been issued for most of Taiwan, with regions north of Tainan and outlying Orchid Island, Green Island, Matsu, Kinmen and Penghu predicted to see winds up to 105 kilometers per hour. In coastal areas in eastern, central and southern Taiwan could experience high waves due to the strong winds.

Taipei sees 11 deaths over 2 days after cold snap want heart failure strikes after temperature drops sharply, majority of deceased elderly a cold snap swept through the city between Saturday (Dec. 16) and Sunday (Dec. 17).

CNA reported majority of the deceased were elderly, and all died from sudden heart failure. According to Taipei City Fire Dept, 4-people died on Saturday and seven on Sunday. Taiwan’s Central Weather Admin issued cold temperature warnings for north on Sunday and said temperatures would drop as low as 10 C. 

Temperatures dropped sharply in the north over two days, down from over 30 C on Friday, fire dept said although it had not been proven the deaths were directly linked to cold weather??, it warned elderly (aged over 65) & those with heart conditions to beware of the situation. The department said large fluctuations in temperature can cause sudden strokes and heart problems, fire dept also reminded people to accompany vulnerable family members and friends to make sure they are safe and cared for.