Hong Kong experienced its hottest April last month since meteorological records began in 1884, as reported by the city’s weather observatory. The average temperature for April soared to 26.4 degrees Celsius, marking a record-breaking milestone in the region’s climate history.
“Summer is not yet here but April was already record-breakingly hot,” the observatory shared on social media, underscoring the exceptional warmth that swept across the subtropical Chinese city. This scorching trend has been evident in recent years, with an increasing number of high-temperature records set annually since 2019.
On April 27, Hong Kong reached new daily temperature highs for the month, including a daily average of 28.8 degrees Celsius and a daily low of 27.7 degrees Celsius. Such figures starkly contrast with the average daily temperatures observed between 1991 and 2020, ranging from 21.1 to 25.6 degrees Celsius.
This record-warm April follows an “exceptionally warm” winter from December to February and a “much warmer than usual” March. The observatory anticipates above-normal temperatures persisting throughout 2024, reflecting a concerning trend of increasing heat.
In response to these escalating temperatures, Hong Kong’s labor department has updated its three-tier warning system for heat stress at work. The system now aligns with the observatory’s hot weather alerts, doubling the minimum duration of a heat advisory from 30 minutes to one hour. It mandates rest periods or work suspension based on temperature levels and the nature of work.
However, despite the risks posed by extreme heat, Hong Kong has yet to classify heatstroke as a work-related injury in its laws. Critics argue that the existing warning system lacks teeth, with concerns raised about its ability to hold non-compliant employers accountable.
(With inputs from agencies)
