Hong Kong hits record 32.1C on Frost's Descent
On.cc · 5 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s hot and exceptionally dry spell strengthened through Friday as the Hong Kong Observatory raised the day’s maximum reading from 31.2 degrees Celsius at 1:30pm to 32.1 degrees by 2:30pm, setting a new record for the hottest Frost’s Descent since records began. The Observatory said a dry northeast monsoon was bringing generally fine weather to Guangdong, while local conditions remained sunny, very dry and hot during the afternoon. A red fire danger warning and the strong monsoon signal were in force earlier in the day, with occasionally strong winds expected offshore and on high ground, along with swells at sea. Forecasters said the coming one to two days would stay fine and very dry, with some areas becoming very hot and with a marked difference between day and night temperatures.
Key Points
- At 2:30pm on Friday, the Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 32.1 degrees Celsius, breaking the record for the hottest Frost’s Descent.
- Earlier, by 1:30pm, the maximum temperature had already reached 31.2 degrees Celsius, which RTHK and Bastille Post also described as record-setting.
- At 9am, the Observatory recorded 25 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 59 per cent, under very dry continental airflow affecting Guangdong
- The Observatory forecast urban temperatures of about 31 degrees, with the New Territories one or two degrees higher, under sunny and very dry skies
- At noon, Severe Typhoon Krosa was about 290 kilometres southeast of Taipei and moving west-northwest to north-northwest across waters east of Taiwan.
Why It Matters
Very dry air, strong sunshine and gustier conditions near coasts and upland areas can quickly raise grass and hill fire risk, especially while the red fire danger warning remains in force. The wide day-night temperature gap forecast for the weekend also means residents may face hot afternoons but noticeably cooler mornings and nights, requiring extra care for outdoor work, exercise and family routines.