The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) today announced that it has enhanced the Very Hot Weather Warning service by launching Special Weather Tips in response to extreme heat conditions and updating the warning's precautions.

When the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force and if the temperature generally reaches the extreme level of 35 degrees Celsius or above, the HKO will issue Special Weather Tips through a push notification on the MyObservatory mobile app to alert the public of extremely hot weather and to take appropriate precautions.

In 2022, there were 15 days with a daily maximum temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius at the HKO headquarters, the highest number of days on record.

As the climate continues to warm, the annual mean temperature in Hong Kong in 2023 is expected to be above normal, with a high chance of reaching the warmest top 10 on record, the observatory noted.

Acting HKO Assistant Director Cheng Yuen-chung said: “Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of Tropical Cyclone Mawar, there may be extremely hot weather over Southern China early to midweek next week. The public should pay attention to the change in weather and take adequate protective measures against the heat.”

While Senior Citizen Home Safety Association Acting Chief Executive Officer Johnny Yuen noted: “In very hot weather, the elderly may feel unwell more easily. Those living in more crowded homes without air conditioning belong to the high-risk group.”

Seniors and their relatives are urged to pay attention to the HKO’s latest weather information or check the weather of the day and health information through the Care-On-Call service platform, the association added.

Furthermore, the Department of Health reminded citizens that elderly people, pregnant women, infants and children, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure as well as the obese, are more vulnerable to heat stroke.

Any symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be closely monitored and people should ensure they get adequate rest, drink more water and avoid overheating of the body, the department added.

The Labour Department supplemented that those who are at work in hot weather or high-temperature environments may refer to the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work and take necessary precautions against the heat.