HKO and SCHSA advise public to prepare for very hot weather in summer (with photo)
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The Acting Assistant Director of the HKO, Mr Choy Chun-wing, said, "Hong Kong's weather has been persistently very hot over the past couple of days. Temperatures over many places rose to around 35 degrees this afternoon. Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, it is expected that high temperatures will continue tomorrow (May 29) with extremely hot weather during the day. The maximum temperature in urban areas will rise to 35 degrees, while temperatures in the New Territories could reach 36 to 37 degrees. Members of the public should take adequate protective measures against the heat."
He further explained, "Since high temperatures may trigger convective development, there will be a few showers with isolated squally thunderstorms later tomorrow. A trough of low pressure is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the coast of southern China later tomorrow and on Saturday (May 30). There will still be a few showers on Sunday (May 31). Members of the public should beware of the change in weather. Under the influence of an easterly airstream and showers, high temperatures weather will be alleviated over the weekend."
Mr Choy further elaborated on the latest developments of El Niño, explaining that the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are expected to continue rising and that an El Niño event will develop during summer and autumn. The event is forecast to persist at least until the end of this year or early next year, reaching moderate intensity or above, or potentially stronger, and the probability of a strong El Niño event is gradually rising. A stronger El Niño event typically increases the likelihood of above normal temperatures over different regions of the world. Therefore, under the combined effect of climate warming and a stronger El Niño, Hong Kong is expected to be hotter than normal this year and next year, with a significantly higher annual mean temperature. There will be a high chance of reaching the warmest top 10 on record this year. For this summer, the HKO expects that the mean temperature will be above normal. Members of the public are advised to prepare for the very hot weather in summer. Those who are more vulnerable to heat stroke should pay special attention to prevent discomfort caused by the heat.
The Chief Executive Officer of the SCHSA, Ms Maura Wong, said, "The elderly are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the height of summer. In 2024, the Association conducted a telephone survey, which found that, on average, nearly one in four elderly persons had felt unwell due to the heat, experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and breathing difficulties. Last summer alone, the Association handled more than 7 700 emergency assistance cases requiring hospitalisation. The Association urges the elderly to take precautions against the heat during the height of summer, and carers should also take a more proactive role in looking after the elderly by providing timely care and support."
For more information on protection against the heat, please visit the following websites:
- The HKO on precautions of the Very Hot Weather Warning (www.hko.gov.hk/en/wservice/warning/coldhot.htm);
- The Department of Health "Beware of Heat Stroke" (www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/90064.html);
- The Labour Department "Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work"(www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm); and
- The Home Affairs Department on temporary heat shelters (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/emergency_services/emergency.htm).
Ends/Thursday, May 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:04
Issued at HKT 19:04
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