Hong Kong Officials Warn of Extreme Heat and El Niño Effects This Summer

HKO and SCHSA advise public to prepare for very hot weather in summer

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) held a joint press conference today (May 28) to speak on the very hot weather and the latest developments of El Niño, and to advise the public to prepare for the very hot weather in summer.

The Acting Assistant Director of the HKO, Mr Choy Chun-wing, said, "Hong Kong's weather has been persistently very hot over the past couple of days. Temperatures over many places rose to around 35 degrees this afternoon. Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, it is expected that high temperatures will continue tomorrow (May 29) with extremely hot weather during the day. The maximum temperature in urban areas will rise to 35 degrees, while temperatures in the New Territories could reach 36 to 37 degrees. Members of the public should take adequate protective measures against the heat."

He further explained, "Since high temperatures may trigger convective development, there will be a few showers with isolated squally thunderstorms later tomorrow. A trough of low pressure is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the coast of southern China later tomorrow and on Saturday (May 30). There will still be a few showers on Sunday (May 31). Members of the public should beware of the change in weather. Under the influence of an easterly airstream and showers, high temperatures weather will be alleviated over the weekend."

Mr Choy further elaborated on the latest developments of El Niño, explaining that the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are expected to continue rising and that an El Niño event will develop during summer and autumn. The event is forecast to persist at least until the end of this year or early next year, reaching moderate intensity or above, or potentially stronger, and the probability of a strong El Niño event is gradually rising. A stronger El Niño event typically increases the likelihood of above normal temperatures over different regions of the world. Therefore, under the combined effect of climate warming and a stronger El Niño, Hong Kong is expected to be hotter than normal this year and next year, with a significantly higher annual mean temperature. There will be a high chance of reaching the warmest top 10 on record this year. For this summer, the HKO expects that the mean temperature will be above normal. Members of the public are advised to prepare for the very hot weather in summer. Those who are more vulnerable to heat stroke should pay special attention to prevent discomfort caused by the heat.

The Chief Executive Officer of the SCHSA, Ms Maura Wong, said, "The elderly are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the height of summer. In 2024, the Association conducted a telephone survey, which found that, on average, nearly one in four elderly persons had felt unwell due to the heat, experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and breathing difficulties. Last summer alone, the Association handled more than 7 700 emergency assistance cases requiring hospitalisation. The Association urges the elderly to take precautions against the heat during the height of summer, and carers should also take a more proactive role in looking after the elderly by providing timely care and support."

For more information on protection against the heat, please visit the following websites:

The HKO on precautions of the Very Hot Weather Warning (www.hko.gov.hk/en/wservice/warning/coldhot.htm);

The Department of Health "Beware of Heat Stroke" (www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/90064.html);

The Labour Department "Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work"(www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm); and

The Home Affairs Department on temporary heat shelters (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/emergency_services/emergency.htm).

HKO and SCHSA advise public to prepare for very hot weather in summer Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visited the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park by boat today (May 28) to gain a deeper understanding of current government measures relating to the development of ecotourism, and to explore how to better leverage natural resources to further promote ecotourism.

Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, Members set sail from Sai Kung Pier and inspected the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park. The boat passed Sharp Island, Yim Tin Tsai and High Island, which are part of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark).

Members then continued the sail to the vicinity of the coastal areas near Fa Shan, High Island Reservoir East Dam and Po Pin Chau, where they observed offshore the High Island Formation. The formation is visible along the coast of and on numerous islands in Sai Kung. The hexagonal volcanic columnar rock formation there comprises a great number of large, well preserved and widely distributed columns. The High Island Formation was incorporated in Hong Kong Geopark in 2009 and was selected as one of the First 100 International Union of Geological Sciences Geological Heritage Sites in 2022, making it a popular ecotourism attraction with high international scientific significance.

During the visit, Members received a briefing from representatives of the Government about the management measures implemented in these ecotourism hotspots during peak holiday seasons. These included deploying additional manpower to help implement traffic and crowd management, as well as installing additional railings at the viewing platform to prevent visitors from approaching dangerous areas. Members urged the Government to leverage Hong Kong's unique natural resources and study plans to boost economic benefits, including promoting island tourism, while in pursuit of sustainable development.

Members also viewed Ham Tin Wan and the coast of Sai Kung from the vessel. As Ham Tin Wan Campsite and other campsites in the Sai Kung District are gaining popularity among visitors, Members and representatives of the Government discussed how to strengthen environmental protection while enhancing tourists' experience.

A total of 25 members and non-members of the Subcommittee participated in the visit.

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases