Hong Kong is set to experience hotter temperatures after the city’s weather forecaster predicted that the heat will climb to 34 degrees Celsius over the weekend. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a “very hot weather” warning on summer solstice on Friday, the second straight day of 33-degree temperatures. With climate change expected to drive the number of very hot days even higher in the coming years, the Post explores ways to stay cool amid Hong Kong’s sweltering summer days.
Over the past three years, Hong Kong has logged over 50 very hot days a year, compared with an average of 27 between 2010 and 2019, according to calculations by the Post. Climate projections from the Observatory suggested that Hong Kong could see as many as 80 very hot days by mid-century under the highest greenhouse gas emission scenario. Leung Wing-mo, a former assistant director of the Observatory, said climate change played a “vital role” in the city’s very hot days and growing number of heatwaves.
“Without exception, heatwaves are the extreme weather that is strongly associated with global warming,” he said. Edmund Lam Wing-wo, a family doctor, said that proper hydration was key to staying cool, as it allowed the body to dissipate heat by sweating. Lam also recommended wearing light clothes while outdoors, and avoiding direct noon sunlight.
He added that when indoors, make sure there was air-conditioning or proper ventilation. Lam said that parks equipped with misting areas and coo.