Hong Kong Braces for Extreme Heat as Temperatures Hit 34°C
RTHK · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a very hot weather warning as temperatures across the territory rose to around 34°C on Friday afternoon, with some areas experiencing extreme heat . The sweltering conditions are being driven by subsiding air from Typhoon Dolphin, which is currently located northeast of Okinawa and moving westward at approximately 18 km/h . The Observatory forecasts that the extreme heat will persist through the weekend, with urban areas potentially reaching 35-36°C and the New Territories seeing temperatures two to three degrees higher .
Key Points
- Temperatures across Hong Kong districts generally rose to about 34°C on Friday afternoon under the very hot weather warning .
- Typhoon Dolphin's outer subsiding air flow is causing the persistent extreme heat, with the storm located about 230 km northeast of Okinawa .
- The Home Affairs Department opened 19 community halls and centres as temporary heat shelters across all districts for residents .
- Weekend temperatures are forecast to reach 35-36°C in urban areas, with the New Territories potentially hitting 36°C or above .
- The Service Industry Trade Union called on employers to provide clear guidelines and cooling equipment for staff working in hot conditions .
Why It Matters
The prolonged extreme heat poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations including elderly residents, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses, making the government's heat shelter provisions essential . The Service Industry Trade Union's appeal highlights growing concerns about workplace safety during increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which are expected to become more common due to climate change .
The prolonged extreme heat poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations including elderly residents, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses, making the government's heat shelter provisions essential . The Service Industry Trade Union's appeal highlights growing concerns about workplace safety during increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which are expected to become more common due to climate change .