Observatory warning on very hot days
Temperatures shot up to almost 34 degrees Celsius in parts of the city yesterday, prompting the Observatory to issue its first 'very hot weather' warning of the year.
The Home Affairs Department opened nine heat shelters overnight for those in need.
The sweltering heat, which is expected to continue for the next few days, came after Hong Kong was affected by a regional high-pressure system stretching across southern China.
A scientific officer at the Observatory, Yeung Kwok-chung, said the very hot weather warning was likely to remain in place today as it was not expected to cool off until the end of the week.
'The regional high pressure affecting the region has resulted in improved sunny weather compared with June. It is set to remain in place for the coming days.'
The highest temperature recorded yesterday was 33.7 degrees at Sheung Shui and Chek Lap Kok, at about 2pm - which was about the same time the warning was issued.
Elsewhere in the city, the mercury reached 33.2 degrees at the Observatory's headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui and 31.3 degrees in Sai Kung.
The weather will be very hot today but with one or two isolated showers, the Observatory has predicted.
Temperatures are expected to range between 28 and 33 degrees. There will also be light to moderate southerly winds.
Relief is unlikely to come until the end of the week, when a few scattered showers are expected, although temperatures are tipped to remain above 30 degrees.
