Severe air quality risk hits Tuen Mun, easing later
On.cc · 3 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department said from the morning of October 21, air pollution levels were higher than usual, and the Air Quality Health Index at some monitoring stations had reached the severe health risk level. Tuen Mun was reported at severe risk, while Tung Chung was at very high risk, with an expected improvement later on Wednesday as a northeast monsoon approaches the South China coast.
Key Points
- The Environmental Protection Department said higher-than-usual air pollution had been recorded since Wednesday morning, October 21, across Hong Kong.
- Some air quality monitoring stations reached the severe health risk category under the Air Quality Health Index during the morning.
- Tuen Mun's monitoring station was at the severe level, while Tung Chung was listed at the very high level.
- Weak winds on Wednesday were unfavourable for dispersing pollutants, allowing pollution to build up locally and regionally.
- Strong sunshine intensified photochemical smog activity, rapidly forming ozone and fine suspended particulates in the Pearl River Delta, while higher ozone also accelerated nitrogen dioxide formation.
Why It Matters
Air quality is expected to improve later on October 21 when a northeast monsoon begins affecting the South China coast, according to the Hong Kong Observatory forecast cited by the Environmental Protection Department. Until then, elevated pollution and severe health risk readings at some stations mean conditions can worsen quickly in affected districts.