Hong Kong Swelters as Temperatures Hit Record Highs; Ex-Observatory Chief Lam Chiu-ying Declares No Air-Con
On.cc · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong experienced extreme heat on July 9 as temperatures soared to 35.1°C by 11:40 a.m., setting a new annual record for the second straight day . The scorching conditions were driven by subsiding air from Typhoon Dolphin's outer circulation, which brought clear skies and intense heat to Guangdong province . Amid public concern, former Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying posted on social media past midnight to confirm he remained without air conditioning, stating he would notify everyone if he ever turned it on .
Key Points
- The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 35.1°C by 11:40 a.m. on July 9, surpassing the previous day's record to become the highest temperature this year .
- Subsiding air from Severe Typhoon Dolphin's outer circulation is causing the extreme heat, with some areas expected to reach 37°C or above through July 11 .
- Lam Chiu-ying posted on social media around midnight to "report safety," confirming he had not used air conditioning in 2024 and asking netizens not to inquire further .
- Lam revealed he nearly broke his no-air-con pledge once when temperatures exceeded 35°C, but rainfall brought relief; he maintains he would use air conditioning if his life were at risk .
- Lam warned that a new El Niño cycle combined with global warming could extend Hong Kong's extreme heat challenges from this year into 2025 and beyond .
Why It Matters
Lam's high-profile stance on minimizing air conditioning use has sparked ongoing public debate about individual versus collective responsibility in addressing climate change, particularly as Hong Kong faces increasingly severe heat waves that test both personal endurance and energy consumption patterns . His warnings about prolonged extreme heat carry weight given his scientific expertise and the Observatory's own forecasts of sustained high temperatures through midweek .
Lam's high-profile stance on minimizing air conditioning use has sparked ongoing public debate about individual versus collective responsibility in addressing climate change, particularly as Hong Kong faces increasingly severe heat waves that test both personal endurance and energy consumption patterns . His warnings about prolonged extreme heat carry weight given his scientific expertise and the Observatory's own forecasts of sustained high temperatures through midweek .