Observatory: Extreme Heat to Ease Late Week, Rain Expected After Friday
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Observatory confirmed Tuesday recorded the highest temperature in the city's history since systematic records began in 1884, with the mercury reaching 36.9 degrees Celsius. The intense heat wave is attributed to Typhoon Dolphin (白海豚), which has brought extreme heat across Guangdong Province through its outer descending airflow. Sheung Shui in the northern New Territories registered an even more extreme 39.8 degrees. The Observatory's Senior Scientific Officer Zhang Bing explained that inland areas like Sheung Shui heat up faster due to direct sun exposure, while coastal areas benefit from cooling sea breezes. The extreme weather is expected to persist through mid-week before Dolphin dissipates and temperatures finally begin to moderate.
Key Points
- Hong Kong recorded its all-time highest temperature of 36.9°C on Tuesday, the hottest since 1884 when records began
- Sheung Shui reached 39.8°C on Tuesday as northern inland areas heat up faster under direct sunlight
- Typhoon Dolphin made landfall near Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, but its outer descending airflow continues affecting Hong Kong
- Today (Wednesday) forecast: urban areas 36°C, New Territories 37-38°C; temperatures to remain around 33°C later this week
- After Friday, weather will become unstable with increased cloud cover and potential rainfall
- The 9-day forecast shows urban areas still reaching up to 32°C even after the heat wave subsides
Why It Matters
This historic heat wave comes as climate patterns indicate a strong El Niño phenomenon is likely to develop this year, potentially making this summer longer than usual . The persistent extreme heat poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and the elderly, while also straining the territory's power grid and water resources. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against heatstroke and stay updated on the Observatory's weather advisories as conditions change.
This historic heat wave comes as climate patterns indicate a strong El Niño phenomenon is likely to develop this year, potentially making this summer longer than usual . The persistent extreme heat poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and the elderly, while also straining the territory's power grid and water resources. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against heatstroke and stay updated on the Observatory's weather advisories as conditions change.