Hong Kong authorities issued a cold weather preparation advisory Wednesday as a cold front approaches the city, bringing temperatures down to 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) in urban areas later this week.
Acting Assistant Cheng Yuen-chung of the Hong Kong Observatory said the cold front, currently positioned over northern parts of southern China, is expected to reach Guangdong’s coast by midnight. The weather system will bring progressively cooler temperatures and very dry conditions to Hong Kong, with notable temperature variations between day and night.
“The New Territories will experience even cooler conditions, with temperatures dropping several degrees below urban areas on Thursday and Friday,” Cheng said.
The temperature drop coincides with growing concerns about elderly safety during winter months. The Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) reported a 10% year-over-year increase in fall-related assistance calls during the previous winter season.
“We strongly advise elderly residents to prepare adequate warm clothing and ensure their heating devices are ready,” said SCHSA Chief Executive Officer Maura Wong. She emphasized the importance of fall prevention measures both indoors and outdoors during the cooling period.
Health officials are also urging senior citizens to get their flu shots as the winter influenza season approaches, adding an extra layer of concern to the upcoming cold snap.
The Observatory maintains a weather hotline at 1878 200 for residents seeking updated forecasts as the cold front moves through the region.
