Hong Kong experienced a sharp temperature drop on Tuesday as a powerful northeast monsoon swept across the coast, prompting the Observatory to issue warnings about significant wind chill and advise residents, particularly the elderly, to take immediate precautions against the cold weather system that is expected to persist for several days. A cold front crossed the Guangdong coastline overnight, ushering in the strong seasonal winds and initiating a substantial dip in temperatures after what had been a mild morning, according to Acting Assistant Director Shirley Tse Suk-mei of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO).
Temperature Plunge and Wind Chill Warning
The HKO reported that early morning temperatures hovered around 21 degrees Celsius but began a rapid descent as the day progressed, with minimum urban temperatures forecast to hit a low of approximately 15 degrees Celsius by Tuesday evening. Rural New Territories areas are projected to be one or two degrees colder, marking an overall drop of six to seven degrees. Tse explained on a radio program that this sharp cold spell, lasting one to two days, would be exacerbated by significant wind chill. Strong northerly winds, gusting to fresh or even occasional gale force offshore and at high altitudes, will make the perceived temperature considerably lower than the actual measured reading.
“The wind chill effect intensifies as air movement rapidly draws heat away from the body,” Tse stated, urging vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during strong winds. The forecast suggests low-temperature conditions will remain until Thursday morning, with readings between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, accompanied by very dry air.
Long-Term Warming Trend Despite Temporary Cold
Tse provided context on the broader climate outlook, noting that despite the current cold snap, Hong Kong’s winter temperatures show a long-term upward trajectory due to global warming. Preliminary analysis and global climate models indicate a higher probability of normal to above-average temperatures for southern China this winter. The HKO predicts the city will experience approximately nine to 17 “cold days” this winter season, defined by minimum temperatures.
Urgent Safety and Health Alerts Issued
The temperature drop triggered rapid alerts from community support organizations. Shirley Wong Hung-hung, CEO of the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, confirmed the group began contacting elderly members last week upon learning of the impending cold front. The association actively calls seniors whenever the weather changes or during flu season, estimating they will make over 80,000 welfare calls this winter.
Last winter, the association handled 140,000 calls through their “Personal Emergency Link” service, including about 8,600 serious cases requiring emergency medical attention—a number expected to be similar this year. Wong stressed that the elderly are particularly susceptible to cold due to slower body regulation and less subcutaneous fat. She warned that cold weather can exacerbate symptoms for individuals with chronic respiratory issues or asthma and noted an increased incidence of falls and fractures among seniors during winter months.
Wong recommended the “onion-style” dressing method: layered clothing with a moisture-wicking inner layer, insulation in the middle, and a windproof, waterproof outer layer that can be easily removed indoors.
Flu Vaccines Essential for High-Risk Groups
Dr. Anthony Leung Kwun-wah, Chairman of the Hospital Authority’s Coordinating Committee on Family Medicine, highlighted the crucial link between cold weather and viral activity. He observed that the influenza virus survives longer and is more active in low temperatures, potentially triggering a winter flu surge.
Leung reinforced the need for high-risk individuals—including pregnant women, small children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—to take precautions, as cold weather causes blood vessels and airways to constrict, stressing the heart and lungs. He issued a strong call for immediate flu vaccination, noting that the body requires two to three weeks after a shot to develop maximum antibody protection ahead of the anticipated flu season peak. While recent outpatient clinics showed a stable rate of upper respiratory infections, Leung emphasized proactive vaccination to mitigate serious illness.
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