Hong Kong Observatory issues first cold weather warning for winter, as mercury dips to 12 degrees Ce

Residents wrapped up in warm coats and jumpers amid the cooler temperatures, with some opting for hats and scarves to protect against the chilly breeze.

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At Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, the temperature lingered below 10 degrees, reaching 5.9 degrees at its coldest point.

“The winter monsoon is affecting Southern China. Locally, temperatures over the territory at night were generally about 10 degrees lower than those of [Friday],” the forecaster said. “Besides, an area of low pressure to the east of the Philippines is bringing unsettled weather to the region.”

The Observatory said persistently cold and generally fine weather was expected in southern China for the middle and latter parts of next week.

A strong monsoon signal was also issued at 6am and remained in force on Saturday night, with expected winds reaching an average speed of more than 40km/h (25mph).

The forecaster said the weather would be mainly cloudy and cold on Sunday with one or two light rain patches in the morning.

Temperatures were forecast to hit highs of about 16 degrees during the day.

It was expected to be rather cool on Monday morning with sunny periods on Tuesday. The weather would be fine and dry with cold mornings in the following couple of days.

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Eighteen temporary shelters across the city run by the Home Affairs Department were opened for those in need while the cold weather warning was in force.

A staff member working at a centre on Fuk Yum Road in Causeway Bay said four residents had sought shelter there since Friday night, mostly homeless people.

Only one person was at the centre at around 2pm on Saturday when the Post visited.

“It hasn’t been that cold,” the staff member said. “If the temperature drops we might get more.”

Many Hongkongers seemed to be unfazed.

At Tsim Sha Tsui, dozens of people were lining up to buy ice cream just after noon despite the cold weather.

Among them was 30-year-old housewife Alice Lo, who bought an ice cream cone for her five-year-old daughter.

“I bought one as my daughter wanted one, I buy one for her every time we come here,” she said, adding that she did not feel that the weather was particularly cold but instead comfortable.

Others enjoying the treats included 23-year-old Shenzhen tourist June Xu and her boyfriend.

“We are wearing more clothes due to the cold weather, so we now feel a bit hot, that’s why we wanted to eat ice cream,” she said.

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Also at the spot was 60-year-old retiree Vincent Tseng, who had rugged up as a precaution.

“It is not that cold, it is all right … you can still eat ice cream when it is cold,” he joked.

A 62-year-old retiree who was enjoying his day at a park in Sheung Wan said he did not feel he had to do anything extra to prepare for the cold weather.

“[I think] because of global warming, the winter in Hong Kong isn’t long and doesn’t get that cold,” said Chan, who preferred to be addressed by his surname only.

“When I was a kid, we would have to wear lots of clothes because it would drop down to about five degrees, but I don’t worry about that any more.”

But health authorities reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to protect their health during the cold weather, which could easily trigger or exacerbate diseases.

The Observatory earlier said winter temperatures in Hong Kong showed a significant long-term rising trend because of climate warming. It forecast that the city was likely to experience fewer cold days – when the mercury dropped to 12 degrees or below – this winter compared with the previous one, when 13 were recorded.

Additional reporting by Harvey Kong

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