Record 36.9C Heat Leaves Ferry Crowds Gasping
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius on the afternoon of August 9, the highest temperature since records began in 1884. At the same time, heavy queues built up for the Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, where mainland tourists described stifling, overcrowded conditions during the summer holiday peak.
Key Points
- The Hong Kong heat surge was linked to subsiding air on the outer edge of Tropical Cyclone Wipha's circulation, with the city posting new yearly highs for two straight days.
- On August 9, the Observatory's 36.9 degrees Celsius reading broke Hong Kong's historical temperature record dating back to 1884.
- Crowding intensified at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier during the evening rush, as a CHIIKAWA-themed event and sunset sightseeing demand converged.
- Visitors posting on Xiaohongshu said the terminal felt like a sealed container, with no air-conditioning or fans, and some complained of feeling short of breath.
- Some travellers said they queued for about an hour for a ferry ride of roughly five minutes, while others advised boarding from Wan Chai or travelling earlier.
Why It Matters
The combination of record heat and concentrated tourist demand is turning a signature harbour attraction into a physical strain for families and other visitors during peak season. The complaints also point to pressure on crowd management and heat relief at busy waterfront transport nodes when special events and sunset traffic overlap.