Hong Kong recorded temperatures nearly 37 °C on Friday, marking a new high for the year amid a prolonged regional heatwave [1, 2].
This extreme spike in temperature puts pressure on urban infrastructure and public health systems, as the city struggles to manage heat stress during an unusually intense period for late May.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the first very hot weather warning of the year as the heatwave persisted through Friday [2]. The peak temperatures were most pronounced in the New Territories, where Sheung Shui recorded a high of 36.7 °C [1]. Similarly, Yuen Long Park saw temperatures reach 36.6 °C [1].
While the New Territories experienced the most extreme heat, the Hong Kong Observatory headquarters recorded a maximum temperature of 34 °C [1]. The heatwave has been characterized not only by daytime peaks but also by high overnight temperatures, a phenomenon that prevents the city from cooling down.
Recent data indicates that minimum nighttime temperatures have remained at or above 28 °C for six consecutive days [4]. This sustained warmth increases the risk of heat-related illness, as residents have little relief from the heat during the night.
Local authorities have monitored the situation as the region faces an intense heatwave that has driven temperatures to unprecedented levels for this time of year [1, 2]. The combination of record-breaking daytime highs and stagnant nighttime lows has created a challenging environment for the city's population.
“Sheung Shui recorded a high of 36.7 °C”
The occurrence of record-breaking temperatures and sustained nighttime warmth in late May suggests a shift in seasonal weather patterns for Hong Kong. When minimum temperatures fail to drop below 28 °C for nearly a week, it indicates a high-pressure system that traps heat, increasing the energy demand for cooling and elevating the risk of heatstroke across the urban population.
