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Hong Kong to review heat stress alert after record temperatures
Officials said Hong Kong hit 36.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest since 1884, while the lowest-level outdoor worker alert stayed in place.
Hong Kong labour authorities said they will review the city’s heat stress warning system after the weather forecaster issued the lowest-level alert for outdoor workers despite record-breaking temperatures, according to SCMP Economy.
The pledges followed expert calls for the government to use an international measurement that places more weight on direct sunlight, and to expand the number of heat stress monitoring stations so all districts are covered and outdoor workers’ risks are better reflected.
Undersecretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming said the review will take place while maintaining close coordination with relevant departments.
Hong Kong recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest temperature since the Hong Kong Observatory began operating in 1884, and forecasts indicated temperatures in some areas could reach at least 37 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with more frequent showers expected later this week.