The Hong Kong Observatory yesterday issued a 'very hot' weather warning, the first such alert this year.
The warning was issued at 4.30pm when the peak temperature recorded was 34.4 degrees Celsius in Sheung Shui. Temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees today. The warning comes as a heatwave is sweeping northern and southwest regions of the mainland.
An Observatory spokesman said the temperatures were being influenced by a sub-tropical weather system extending over the western Pacific.
The warning advises people to seek shade, avoid overexertion and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.
With the sun and clear skies likely to lure many people to beaches this weekend, precautions against sun damage are advised.
According to Tammy Lee Chau Chui-ngor, an education officer with the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, the incidence of skin cancer is increasing in Hong Kong.