FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Team Herald
Hong Kong experienced its warmest April on record last month, with an average daily temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius, marking a historic high since meteorological records began in 1884, according to the city's weather observatory.
"Summer is not yet here but April was already record-breakingly hot," the observatory announced on social media, highlighting the alarming trend of rising temperatures.
Data from the observatory revealed that Hong Kong, known for its subtropical climate, has been facing increasingly extreme heat in recent years, witnessing numerous high-temperature records, both daily and monthly, since 2019.
On April 27, the city set new daily temperature records for April, with the highest daily maximum hitting 28.8 degrees Celsius and the highest daily low at 27.7 degrees Celsius. These figures represent a significant departure from the historical average daily temperature range of 21.1 to 25.6 degrees Celsius observed between 1991 and 2020.
The unusually warm April followed an exceptionally warm winter from December to February and a much warmer than usual March. The observatory forecasts above-normal temperatures to persist throughout 2024, signaling ongoing climate challenges.
Responding to the escalating temperatures, Hong Kong's labor department has updated its heat stress warning system, now linked to the observatory's hot weather alerts. The department has also doubled the minimum duration of a heat advisory from 30 minutes to one hour, mandating rest periods or work suspension based on temperature levels and job types.
Despite reports of fatalities attributed to heatstroke at work, Hong Kong has not classified heatstroke as a work-related injury in its laws. The labor department introduced its heat stress warning system last year; however, critics argue that its warning thresholds are too high and lack legal accountability for non-compliant employers.
Globally, scientists warn that human-induced climate change will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing significant challenges for societies worldwide. Hong Kong's record-breaking April serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures on communities and economies.
