Hong Kong issues year’s first ‘very hot weather’ warning
- Observatory warns public of heatstroke risks
- It also reminds relevant workers to observe new heat-warning guidelines
The Hong Kong Observatory issued its first “very hot weather” warning of the year on Monday, with temperatures in some districts reaching 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) during the afternoon.
The alert was raised at 11.45am, indicating the mercury was expected to reach at least 33 degrees, with temperatures reaching that level in Yuen Long Park and Sai Kung at around 3.30pm. The warning was cancelled at 5.30pm.
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“When engaged in outdoor activities, drink more water and avoid overexertion. If not feeling well, take a rest in the shade or a cooler place as soon as possible. Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon,” it said on its website.
“Avoid prolonged exposure under sunlight. Light-coloured and air-permeable clothing, wide-brimmed hats and ultraviolet (UV) blocking sunglasses can reduce the chance of sunburn by solar UV radiation.”
The Observatory added that people working outdoors or in high-temperature environments should follow the new guidelines issued by the Labour Department and take necessary precautions.
The guidelines took effect last Monday, providing a three-tier warning system based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. The temperature is not the only factor affecting the index, with other considerations being humidity, air circulation and solar radiation levels.
When the index hits 30, an amber signal will apply, with an upgrade to red or black when the mark reaches 32 or 34, respectively.
Workers will be advised to suspend duties or rest for periods of 15 to 45 minutes based on their categorised level of labour intensity.
The index reached 29.2 at 3.10pm on Monday, with no warning issued.
The city has issued two separate warnings, both amber level, on Thursday and Friday since the system launched.
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According to the Observatory, the very hot weather emerged along the coast of Guangdong province due to a southerly airstream.
A trough of low pressure over the northern part of the area was expected to gradually move south, resulting in showers and thunderstorms in coastal areas during the night and Tuesday morning, it added.
The influence of an anticyclone was expected to bring hot weather with sunny periods and a few showers during the middle and latter parts of the week, it said.
The forecaster also said Tropical Cyclone Mawar, named after the Malaysian word for rose, would migrate toward seas east of the Philippines, culminating in very hot weather over Guangdong early next week.
