Extreme heat grips Hong Kong as expert, labour groups urge district-level index
Temperatures in parts of northern Hong Kong, including Yuen Long and Ta Kwu Ling, reached up to 37.5 degrees Celsius
Hong Kong was once again gripped by extreme heat on Wednesday as temperatures reached 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit) in parts of the city, prompting calls for a district-level index to better protect outdoor workers.
The very hot weather warning and the amber heat stress at work warning remained in effect by 5.50pm on Wednesday, as temperatures in parts of the New Territories reached extreme levels.
In Yuen Long, mercury readings peaked at 37.5 degrees, while Sheung Shui and Ta Kwu Ling recorded maximum temperatures of 37.2 degrees and 37.1 degrees, respectively, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
On Sunday, the Observatory logged a maximum temperature of 36.9 degrees at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui – the highest level since the forecaster began keeping records in 1884.
The record-breaking heat triggered criticism of the Labour Department’s Heat Stress at Work Warning system, with only the lowest-tier alert issued on Sunday despite the extreme weather.
Professor Benjamin Horton, dean of City University’s school of energy and environment, said Hong Kong should explore compiling heat advisories at a district level.