HONG KONG: Hong Kong logged its hottest day on Sunday after temperatures reached 36.9 degrees Celsius, the highest since official meteorological records began in the city in 1884, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
“As of 2:30 pm, the maximum temperature recorded at the observatory was 36.9 degrees, the highest ever recorded since 1884,” the HKO said in a weather advisory.
The observatory said that the extremely hot weather in Hong Kong is expected to persist until midweek as Tropical Cyclone Dolphin’s outer subsiding air will continue to bring high temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.
Data from the HKO website showed that the mercury on Sunday reached 39.8 C in Sheung Shui in the New Territories, 38.2 C in Happy Valley and Wong Tai Sin, 38.1 C in Yuen Long Park, and 37.8 C in Tai Lung and Ta Kwu Ling.
“The maximum temperature recorded at Sheung Shui was 39.8 degrees, the highest record in Hong Kong since the observatory's commencement of automatic weather station installation in the 1980s,” the HKO added.
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded members of the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, after the observatory issued the very hot weather warning.
“Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation,” the CHP said in a statement.
The Labour Department said the heat stress at work warning was also in effect, reminding employers and employees to take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke.
“Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures,” the department said, adding that these measures include rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, and providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. - China Daily/ANN
