July 23, 2024
HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s health department has reminded residents to stay dehydrated as the city’s observatory issued a hot weather alert Monday afternoon less than an hour after it canceled all typhoon signals.
The Hong Kong Observatory announced the cancellation of all tropical cyclone warnings at 12:20 pm with Tropical Storm Prapiroon forecasted to move northwest away from the territory. It later issued a Very Hot Weather Warning at 1:15 pm.
As of 2:30 pm, the city’s average temperature was 33.2 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 34 degrees Celsius.
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The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take necessary measures against “heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather”.
“The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
The spokesman added that vulnerable groups such as children, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses should pay special attention.
The Labour Department also issued an Amber Heat Stress at Work Warning at 2:20 pm, urging employers and their employees to take appropriate heat preventive measures.
READ MORE: HK sees ‘abnormally warm’ first half of 2024
Monday was the solar term “Great Heat” day, which is often the warmest day of the year.