Hongkongers Press On Outdoors Despite Record Heat
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong was gripped by extreme heat on August 9, as temperatures climbed to 38.2 degrees Celsius in Happy Valley and Wong Tai Sin, the highest since both automatic weather stations began operating. Despite the dangerous conditions and the death of a hiker in Tai Po after a suspected heatstroke, many people still headed outdoors for football, rugby, jogging, hiking and cycling.
Key Points
- The Observatory recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius in Happy Valley and Wong Tai Sin on the afternoon of August 9, breaking previous station highs of 37.9 degrees Celsius.
- At Happy Valley Recreation Ground, residents kept playing football, rugby and American football, while some men trained shirtless and others cooled off at washing facilities.
- Rugby player Ja Ja said it felt like the hottest day in her 15 years in Hong Kong, but still trained for two hours with water, energy drinks and sunscreen.
- In Tai Po near Plover Cove Reservoir hiking trails and Tai Mei Tuk, families continued hiking and cycling, sheltering in shade and buying cold drinks, ice lollies and watermelon.
- A man in his 60s collapsed while hiking on the Plover Cove Reservoir trail in Tai Po, was suspected to have suffered heatstroke, and died on the way to hospital.
Why It Matters
The scenes show that even record-breaking temperatures are not stopping many Hong Kong residents from outdoor exercise and leisure, increasing the risk of heat-related illness when people underestimate prolonged exposure. The combination of packed recreation grounds, country trails and a reported death underlines the need for stronger public attention to hydration, shade and activity timing during extreme heat.