Hong Kong shivers through its coldest day since 1957: kindergartens, primary schools closed today
Schools closed due to near-freezing temperatures on Monday, but an outpouring of ‘frost chasers’ clogged local peaks and led to rescue efforts on Sunday
The city’s coldest weather in nearly six decades was expected to continue on Monday, prompting a suspension of primary schools and pleas from officials urging the public to avoid hiking the highest local peaks, where sub-zero temperatures left roads frozen and dangerous.
Minimum temperatures at the Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui dropped to just 3.1 degrees Celsius yesterday, the lowest reading since 1957 and the third-lowest ever. Areas at higher elevations saw temperatures dip below zero.
Watch: Frost and ice hits Hong Kong's highest mountain in -5 degree weather
The Education Bureau announced a suspension of classes at kindergartens, primary schools and schools for children with intellectual and physical disabilities on Monday due to the uncommonly cold weather.
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Over the weekend, frigid and windy weather attracted throngs of ‘frost chasers’ to Tai Mo Shan, the city’s highest mountain, to experience the rare freezing conditions. But the outpouring resulted in at least 111 people taking ill or being injured on Sunday.
Watch: China and Hong Kong shiver from cold spell
Sixty-four people – mainly Hong Kong 100 trail runners and some curious hikers – landed in hospital. Most suffered from hypothermia, but some suffered injuries from collisions and sprains. As of 4.30pm on Sunday, three were in serious condition.
READ MORE: Hong Kong farmers face dismal harvest following harsh winter and frost threat
Nearly half of the trail runners participating in a 100km run also struggled to finish stages of the MacLehose Trail, crossing paths with eager “frost chasers”.
