https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/322058/feed Latest news and updates on Hong Kong's weather, covering typhoon warnings, black rain alerts, flooding, heatwaves and the impact of extreme weather events and climate change on the city. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Vivian Au Vivian Au Temperatures in Hong Kong dropped to about 23 degrees Celsius (73 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday morning, the lowest so far this autumn. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the cooler weather was caused by a dry northeast monsoon. “A dry northeast monsoon will bring mainly fine weather to the coast of Guangdong in the next couple of days. It will be windier and slightly cooler in the morning over the region,” the forecaster said. “The monsoon is expected to moderate slightly in the latter part of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369847/hong-kong-temperatures-drop-23-degrees-celsius-tuesday-morning-lowest-autumn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369847/hong-kong-temperatures-drop-23-degrees-celsius-tuesday-morning-lowest-autumn?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:54:03 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning on Sunday evening, with the signal remaining in place for more than two hours. The weather forecaster issued the alert – the lowest level in a three-tier warning system – at 8.20pm and cancelled it at 10.30pm. “A few squally thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong,” a spokesman for the Observatory said in the evening. Showers would be heavy at times. The forecaster also warned that intense gusts reaching 70km/h (43mph) could... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369718/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369718/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:05:38 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok At least three hikers fell ill on countryside trails as temperatures in parts of Hong Kong climbed to a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) on Sunday. A 25-year-old visitor was suspected of suffering from heatstroke while he hiked with friends on the popular High Island Reservoir East Dam-Po Pin Chau hiking route in Sai Kung at about noon. A government helicopter airlifted him to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai for treatment. The route is one of Hong Kong’s best-known hiking trails,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368956/3-hikers-fall-ill-hong-kong-trails-temperatures-top-33-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368956/3-hikers-fall-ill-hong-kong-trails-temperatures-top-33-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:53:47 +0000 Tilman Leo Hohenberger,Kimberly Tasha Jiayi Tang Tilman Leo Hohenberger,Kimberly Tasha Jiayi Tang At the beginning of August, when temperatures in Hong Kong hit highs not seen for at least 140 years, the Labour Department’s Heat Stress at Work Warning system remained at the amber level, the lowest of three tiers. The controversy that followed raised a broader question: are our heat warnings adequately protecting people who work outdoors? The Labour Department has since announced changes that will lead to earlier heat-stress warnings. These improvements to worker protection are welcome. But... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367306/hong-kong-must-prepare-impact-heat-related-work-stoppages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367306/hong-kong-must-prepare-impact-heat-related-work-stoppages?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:30:05 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities are open to classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease, the city’s labour chief has said, acknowledging that the recently revamped heat warning system would have triggered stronger alerts on two exceptionally hot days last month. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said retrospective modelling showed the revised system would have issued a black warning on August 8 and a red alert on August 9, when the Observatory recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius (98.4 Fahrenheit)... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366525/hong-kong-open-classifying-heatstroke-occupational-disease-labour-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366525/hong-kong-open-classifying-heatstroke-occupational-disease-labour-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 06:58:23 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam If you think this summer has been brutal, imagine how it feels for our pets, especially dogs. Whether cooped up in air-conditioned flats or kept in outdoor village compounds, dogs face severe physical and psychological strain during extreme weather. This link between environmental stress and pet reactivity comes amid a greater community focus on dog behaviour and safety in urban spaces. Hong Kong has recorded its hottest summer on record. Climate change is not only raising temperatures but also... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3366301/how-take-care-your-dog-during-hong-kongs-summer-heat-and-thunderstorms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3366301/how-take-care-your-dog-during-hong-kongs-summer-heat-and-thunderstorms?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 04:15:06 +0000 Dennis Lee Dennis Lee The Labour Department recently upgraded its Heat Stress at Work Warning system, making it easier for higher-tier alerts to be sent out, so that employers and workers, especially those who have to work outdoors, can react quickly during very hot weather. Unfortunately, the most we seem to be able to do is issue warnings and recommend passive mitigation measures such as relaxing the work schedule, resting in the shade and staying hydrated. We are sitting ducks as temperatures peak year after... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365989/era-extreme-summers-its-time-look-beyond-air-conditioning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365989/era-extreme-summers-its-time-look-beyond-air-conditioning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 01:30:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The record temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius logged by the Hong Kong Observatory last month is the strongest evidence yet that extreme heat is not just a distant or occasional inconvenience. The rising temperature underlines a growing challenge that many authorities around the world are still grappling with. The city must respond not merely with improved mechanisms for alerts when the mercury soars but with a complete climate-resilience strategy that protects workers, older people, low-income... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 23:15:05 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s weather forecaster could issue a higher typhoon signal closer to the weekend after Tropical Cyclone Saudel experienced a rare resurgence, with the potential to change course over the South China Sea and edge towards the Pearl River Delta. The Observatory said the No 1 typhoon signal would remain in force for the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday morning, as Saudel was expected to linger over the northeastern South China Sea and remain about 300km (167 miles) or more from the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366053/higher-typhoon-signal-possible-depending-saudels-course-after-rare-resurgence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366053/higher-typhoon-signal-possible-depending-saudels-course-after-rare-resurgence?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:16:11 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. After a summer downpour, run-off from Hong Kong’s busiest roads may carry more than leaves and litter. It can wash accumulated tyre- and road-surface particles, metals and chemical additives into drains and receiving waters. This overlooked issue deserves attention as vehicle... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3365924/hong-kongs-cleaner-transport-push-must-not-neglect-tyre-pollution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3365924/hong-kongs-cleaner-transport-push-must-not-neglect-tyre-pollution?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:30:06 +0000 Eric Jiang,Jess Ma Eric Jiang,Jess Ma Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will keep the No 1 typhoon warning signal in force until Wednesday morning, with alerts likely extending further into the week. The Observatory said on Tuesday afternoon that the signal would remain in force for the rest of today and Wednesday morning, but the chance of issuing a No 3 strong wind signal was low. “There are rather large uncertainties in its subsequent movement and intensity. The tropical cyclone warning signal may remain in force until later this... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365833/hong-kong-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-610pm-saudel-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365833/hong-kong-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-610pm-saudel-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:54:26 +0000 Caroline Lin Caroline Lin Typhoon Saudel made landfall in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang on Friday morning, disrupting flights and ferry services across major urban centres, including the industrial hub of Ningbo and the economic powerhouse of Shanghai. Ningbo Lishe International Airport suspended all flight operations from 11.30pm on Thursday. Even though services resumed at 11am on Friday, some 16 inbound and 28 outbound flights were cancelled for the day. In the Zhejiang city of Wenzhou, a base for private... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/article/3365546/storm-travel-chaos-typhoon-saudel-makes-double-landfall-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/article/3365546/storm-travel-chaos-typhoon-saudel-makes-double-landfall-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:15:41 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong labour authorities have unveiled changes to the system that sends out warnings to workers about overexertion during very hot weather, reducing the threshold so higher-tier alerts can be issued more easily following intense criticism of the mechanism. The Labour Department said on Thursday that two new conditions would be introduced to the Heat Stress at Work Warning system starting on Friday. The system has three warning levels – amber, red and black – which alert employers and staff... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3365453/hong-kong-lowers-heat-stress-warning-system-thresholds-after-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3365453/hong-kong-lowers-heat-stress-warning-system-thresholds-after-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:52:59 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s weather forecaster cancelled its rainstorm warnings on Thursday, following spells of heavy rain that led to the suspension of morning and whole-day schools, with afternoon classes allowed to proceed. The Observatory issued the red signal – the middle level in a three-tier system – at 5.05am, and soon after also sent out a special landslip advisory for Po Toi Island due to heavy rain. The forecaster downgraded the red alert to amber at 9.20am and then cancelled that one at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365380/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-morning-and-whole-day-classes-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365380/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-morning-and-whole-day-classes-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:05:50 +0000 Edith Lin,Theodora Yu Edith Lin,Theodora Yu Yung, an elderly Hong Kong resident, has spent hours hanging out at a neighbourhood shopping centre in Kwai Chung all summer. But he has not been going there to shop, instead taking refuge from the sweltering heat in the mall’s soothing air-conditioned arcade. The retiree, who lives in a 100 sq ft subdivided flat with his wife, is reluctant to use the air conditioner for long periods to avoid a hefty electricity bill, despite the hot and stuffy weather in recent weeks. “There have been more... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365367/hong-kong-faces-more-heatwaves-what-must-be-done-make-city-more-resilient?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365367/hong-kong-faces-more-heatwaves-what-must-be-done-make-city-more-resilient?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Public debate over Hong Kong’s recent heatwave has rightly focused on protecting frontline workers. However, one group remains largely absent from the discussion: site managers and project supervisors who carry responsibility for worker safety, project delivery and contractual... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365019/hong-kong-needs-clearer-framework-handling-high-heat-work-sites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365019/hong-kong-needs-clearer-framework-handling-high-heat-work-sites?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:30:05 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on August 26, 1976. Tragedy hits Sau Mau Ping At least seven people, including four children, were killed by the landslide that hit Sau Mau Ping Estate yesterday (August 25, 1976). Yesterday’s disaster was only a few blocks away from a slope which slipped on June 18, 1972, killing 67 people. Fire Services teams, assisted by the Army, spent the night under search lights trying to locate people still not accounted for and thought to be buried under tons of mud... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364651/landslide-kills-18-people-hong-kongs-sau-mau-ping-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364651/landslide-kills-18-people-hong-kongs-sau-mau-ping-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:15:05 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The likelihood that Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue a typhoon signal in the next two days is “relatively low”, although multiple tropical cyclones are set to bring unsettled weather to the city later this week. The Observatory said at noon on Monday that Tropical Storm Narra was expected to skirt the coast of the Leizhou Peninsula in western Guangdong province in the coming days while “maintaining some distance from Hong Kong”. “Unless Narra further edges closer to the vicinity of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365034/typhoon-signal-hong-kong-unlikely-next-2-days-expect-unsettled-weather?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365034/typhoon-signal-hong-kong-unlikely-next-2-days-expect-unsettled-weather?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:25:56 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong The Hong Kong Observatory may issue a typhoon signal on Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm edges closer to the region. “Tropical Cyclone Narra is expected to linger over the vicinity of Beibu Wan today and tomorrow, and then turn northeastwards gradually later on Monday to Tuesday, edging closer to the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula,” the forecaster said on Sunday. Leizhou Peninsula sits at the far southwestern tip of Guangdong province, some 400km (248.5 miles) west-southwest of Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364956/hong-kong-may-issue-typhoon-signal-tuesday-or-wednesday-narra-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364956/hong-kong-may-issue-typhoon-signal-tuesday-or-wednesday-narra-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:09:59 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong labour unionists have called for a requirement that employers to provide outdoor workers with heatstroke-prevention equipment during extreme temperatures. They also said on Saturday that heatstroke should be added to the list of statutory occupational diseases, making it easier for workers to claim compensation for work-related cases. The calls for better protection for workers in extreme heat came after temperatures in the city hit record highs earlier this month. Chau Sze-kit,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364904/labour-unions-call-mandatory-heatstroke-prevention-equipment-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364904/labour-unions-call-mandatory-heatstroke-prevention-equipment-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Aug 2026 05:29:37 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will assess next week whether to issue a typhoon warning as Tropical Storm Narra is expected to edge closer to the western coast of Guangdong province in mainland China. The Observatory said on Saturday morning the storm was expected to linger over the vicinity of Beibu Wan, also known as the Gulf of Tonkin, before possibly turning east to northeast gradually early next week. “The Observatory will closely monitor its movement and the change in local wind... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364900/hong-kong-assess-typhoon-warning-tropical-storm-narra-nears-guangdong-coast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364900/hong-kong-assess-typhoon-warning-tropical-storm-narra-nears-guangdong-coast?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Aug 2026 03:58:34 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The Hong Kong Observatory has said it will consider issuing the No 1 typhoon signal over the weekend, as it tracks a low-pressure system that could approach the city and bring stormy weather. The forecaster said on Wednesday that the area of low pressure over the northern part of the South China Sea was moving westward and edging closer to the southern section of the mainland Chinese province of Hainan. “There are relatively large uncertainties in the movement of the area of low pressure after... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364584/observatory-keeps-eye-low-pressure-area-consider-issuing-t1-over-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364584/observatory-keeps-eye-low-pressure-area-consider-issuing-t1-over-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:29:16 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Despite record-breaking temperatures in Hong Kong, the Labour Department’s Heat Stress at Work Warning system remained at the lowest level of amber on August 9. The reason for this absurdity is the use of the Hong Kong Heat Index (HKHI) in determining the threshold for issuing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364395/hong-kong-mustnt-use-wrong-index-gauge-outdoor-heat-stress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364395/hong-kong-mustnt-use-wrong-index-gauge-outdoor-heat-stress?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:30:06 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong authorities aim to complete a revamp of the city’s heat-stress warning system by the end of this month, the labour minister has said, following criticism that the alert level was not increased during record-breaking temperatures. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Tuesday that changes to the Heat Stress at Work Warning system would require thorough preparatory work at several levels. This would include setting the system’s activation thresholds and determining... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364388/hong-kong-aiming-revamp-heat-stress-warning-system-end-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364388/hong-kong-aiming-revamp-heat-stress-warning-system-end-month?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:49:39 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on August 18, 1971. Ferry disaster: no hope for missing crew by T. S. Koo A large but undetermined number of the crew of the Hongkong-Macao ferry Fatshan, including her master and senior British officers, were feared drowned when she capsized off Lantao during the typhoon early yesterday (August 17, 1971). So far four survivors have been picked up, and four bodies found. The Governor, Sir David Trench, last night expressed deep sympathy to the families of those... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364265/typhoon-rose-capsizes-ferry-hong-kong-killing-88-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364265/typhoon-rose-capsizes-ferry-hong-kong-killing-88-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:15:06 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. August 9, 2026 will be remembered as the day Hong Kong set a record high temperature. The Observatory logged 36.9 degrees Celsius, the highest since records began in 1884, while Sheung Shui reached 39.8 degrees. For most residents, the answer is straightforward: stay indoors with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364016/practical-ways-protect-workers-and-projects-very-hot-weather?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364016/practical-ways-protect-workers-and-projects-very-hot-weather?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2026 03:30:07 +0000 Kate Chan Kate Chan Wilson Hui Chau-yuen, a 22-year-old final-year student at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, recalls that the scorching heat was the biggest enemy during an annual two-week summer camp organised by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) garrison. “Even on the city’s hottest day, our training continued without pause including martial arts, bayonet practice and marching drills,” Hui said on Sunday, adding that he hoped to join Hong Kong’s disciplined services in the future. The Hong Kong Observatory... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364196/500-pla-summer-camp-cadets-battle-heat-they-step-out-their-comfort-zone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364196/500-pla-summer-camp-cadets-battle-heat-they-step-out-their-comfort-zone?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:34:20 +0000 Eric Jiang,Emily Hung Eric Jiang,Emily Hung Indoor heat levels in Hong Kong’s subdivided flats and rooftop huts felt like a blistering 52.21 degrees Celsius (126 Fahrenheit) this summer, with 80 per cent of homemakers living in those homes reporting dizziness and headaches, according to a survey released on Sunday. The study, conducted by CarbonCare InnoLab and the Concerning Subdivided Units Alliance, surveyed 86 households across nine districts from June 22 to July 12, with 78 living in subdivided flats or rooftop huts, among other... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364183/indoor-feels-heat-soars-52-degrees-hong-kong-subdivided-homes-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364183/indoor-feels-heat-soars-52-degrees-hong-kong-subdivided-homes-study?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:41:29 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Scorching weather will persist across Hong Kong on Sunday and Monday, with maximum temperatures climbing to 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) before a low-pressure system brings squally thunderstorms and unsettled weather by midweek. The very hot weather warning has been in force since 6.45am on Sunday, with temperatures across the city ranging from 28 to 33 degrees, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. Mercury in Tai Po soared to 34.8 degrees at noon. “Winds will be weak and the weather... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364168/heatwave-persist-hong-kong-thunderstorms-set-midweek?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364168/heatwave-persist-hong-kong-thunderstorms-set-midweek?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:35:38 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Temperatures have dropped in Hong Kong after a streak of nine very hot days, with the city’s weather forecaster issuing the amber rainstorm warning on Friday morning. The Observatory recorded temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees Celsius (73 and 84 Fahrenheit) in various districts across the city as of 8.45am, significantly lower than the 33 degrees or higher over the past nine days. The forecaster issued the amber rainstorm warning at 8.40am, the lowest tier in the city’s rainstorm alert... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363967/relief-after-9-blistering-days-hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363967/relief-after-9-blistering-days-hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:22:26 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong residents have borne the brunt of extreme weather this summer, with July rainfall exceeding the monthly norm by 23 per cent, followed by hot spells in August linked to Tropical Cyclone Dolphin’s influence. As of Thursday, the maximum temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) or above for nine consecutive days, marking the longest streak of very hot days for the month of August. A green group warned in July that scorching days and hot... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:39:41 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu At a bustling fruit store in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay, a crowd of workers sporting damp towels around their necks or fan vests buy up chilled drinks to stay hydrated as temperatures hit 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit) on a busy weekday morning. Soaked in sweat, 29-year-old construction worker Yau is among the crowd, buying a litre of water to help beat the heat on Wednesday. “I spend at least HK$100 a day on water lately. It is expensive, and I get poor just drinking water to survive the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363901/how-hong-kong-can-protect-manual-workers-bearing-brunt-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363901/how-hong-kong-can-protect-manual-workers-bearing-brunt-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:30:06 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Retiree Yang Fangxin’s 72 sq ft rooftop home, located on the ninth floor of a 62-year-old building in Sham Shui Po, has become a heat trap under Hong Kong’s scorching hot weather. The temperature in her home was above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) at around 5pm on Tuesday, higher than the 33 degrees recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory’s monitoring station in the same district. The temperature in her home only dropped slightly to 37.8 degrees after switching on two fans and an air... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363821/hong-kongs-subdivided-flats-are-turning-heat-traps-whats-fix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363821/hong-kongs-subdivided-flats-are-turning-heat-traps-whats-fix?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:18:36 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial People who feel it has been getting warmer in Hong Kong may not be surprised to learn that more than 200 official heat alerts have been issued under the Heat Stress at Work Warning mechanism since May 2023, when the Labour Department launched it. But they might be very surprised to learn that under a three-tiered amber, red and black system, the warnings to people working outdoors, or indoors without air conditioning, were all amber – the lowest tier. There was no exception even after the Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3363639/hong-kong-must-act-fast-protect-workers-heat-distress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3363639/hong-kong-must-act-fast-protect-workers-heat-distress?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Leopold Chen,Edith Lin Leopold Chen,Edith Lin Power supply and air-conditioning disruptions during Hong Kong’s ongoing heatwave have affected estate residents, office workers and even a funeral parlour, as an expert warned that the higher energy demand caused by the weather could trigger outages in older districts. The city has grappled with an intense heatwave in recent days, with scorching temperatures driven by a southwesterly airstream. The Hong Kong Observatory said on Tuesday the maximum temperature recorded at its headquarters in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363653/power-ac-outages-hit-estate-office-building-and-funeral-home-amid-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363653/power-ac-outages-hit-estate-office-building-and-funeral-home-amid-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:50:36 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong authorities are considering lowering the threshold for activating higher-tier heat-stress warnings during exceptionally hot weather, following public criticism that the alert was not upgraded even as the city sweltered through its hottest day on record. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said on Tuesday that the warning system was currently more responsive to “muggy weather” than to conditions involving purely high temperatures and strong solar radiation, but the government... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363615/hong-kong-considers-lowering-heat-stress-warning-thresholds-amid-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363615/hong-kong-considers-lowering-heat-stress-warning-thresholds-amid-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:14:21 +0000 Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Hong Kong labour authorities have pledged to review the city’s heat stress warning system, a day after the lowest-level alert for outdoor workers was issued despite record-breaking temperatures, prompting questions about the index’s effectiveness The pledge on Monday followed calls from experts for the government to adopt an international measurement that gives greater weight to direct sunlight, and to increase the number of heat stress monitoring stations so that all districts are covered and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:04:36 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng More frequent showers expected later this week should bring relief from Hong Kong’s extreme heat, the local forecaster has said, although scorching conditions will persist in the coming days, with temperatures in some areas forecast to reach at least 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). The Observatory said on Monday that outer subsiding airflow associated with Tropical Storm Dolphin continued to bring extremely hot weather to Guangdong province and Hong Kong. The heatwave is expected to continue... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363483/hong-kong-heatwave-persist-showers-bring-relief-later-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363483/hong-kong-heatwave-persist-showers-bring-relief-later-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:50:44 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Leopold Chen Ng Kang-chung,Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities are under pressure to review the warning system for heat stress at work after the lowest-level alert remained in force on Sunday, despite the city sweltering through its hottest day on record. Labour unionists, joined by a leading meteorologist, also proposed relaxing the law to recognise heatstroke as a work-related injury, thus entitling workers to compensation. A scorching 36.9 degrees Celsius (98.4 Fahrenheit) was recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363461/calls-system-review-after-lowest-alert-force-during-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363461/calls-system-review-after-lowest-alert-force-during-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:42:54 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A hiker died on a country trail in Tai Po on Sunday afternoon as Hong Kong endured its hottest temperatures since records began 142 years ago. Police said they received a report at 2.17pm that a man, 64, had been discovered unconscious on the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail by other hikers. Firefighters and rescue teams assembled at the reservoir dam before heading up the mountain, with the Government Flying Service also dispatched. The Filipino man, a Hong Kong identity card holder, was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363446/hiker-collapses-dies-hong-kong-trail-city-swelters-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363446/hiker-collapses-dies-hong-kong-trail-city-swelters-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:49:16 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Families sought refuge in snow parks and shopping centres on Sunday as Hong Kong sweltered through its hottest day in 142 years, while many domestic helpers said they had no choice but to stay outside in the blistering heat. The city recorded the highest temperature since records began in 1884 in the afternoon under the influence of Severe Typhoon Dolphin. The Hong Kong Observatory said subsiding air on the outer edge of Dolphin brought generally fine and extremely hot weather to Guangdong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 05:21:38 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Two hikers, including a seven-year-old girl, were airlifted to hospital after falling ill on Saturday as Hong Kong experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). At about 2.30pm, police received a report that a 28-year-old man surnamed Wen had begun feeling unwell while hiking near Po Pin Chau in Sai Kung. He was airlifted by helicopter to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai. About an hour later, police received another report that a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363384/hong-kong-temperatures-exceed-38-degrees-severe-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363384/hong-kong-temperatures-exceed-38-degrees-severe-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:08:36 +0000 Wynna Wong,Lo Hoi-ying Wynna Wong,Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong holidaymakers in Okinawa on Friday contended with depleted supermarket shelves, potential power cuts and violent weather as Typhoon Dolphin shut the Japanese island’s main airport and disrupted every direct flight home. Social media images shared by Hong Kong-linked travel accounts showed empty bread shelves and torrential rain sweeping parts of the popular destination, although travellers said conditions varied significantly across the island. Hong Kong travel account Papa Traveller... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363357/typhoon-dolphin-hongkongers-stuck-okinawa-prepare-low-supplies-power-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363357/typhoon-dolphin-hongkongers-stuck-okinawa-prepare-low-supplies-power-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:59:14 +0000 Kate Chan Kate Chan Temperatures in some parts of Hong Kong could hit 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) or above over the coming weekend under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Dolphin, according to the city’s forecaster, which warned residents to take precautions against heatstroke. The Hong Kong Observatory said weak winds would linger over the city on Friday, with hot weather persisting over the next few days and pushing temperatures to 37 degrees or higher in some areas. “Under the influence of the outer... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363247/temperatures-could-hit-36-degrees-celsius-hong-kong-over-extremely-hot-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363247/temperatures-could-hit-36-degrees-celsius-hong-kong-over-extremely-hot-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:40:14 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Deadly record-breaking heatwaves are no longer sporadic news events. Sustained high temperatures across Europe and Southeast Asia have triggered heat illnesses and fatalities. Hong Kong faces the same threat: the Observatory has recorded a steady rise in extremely hot days and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3363110/heat-resilience-should-be-baked-buildings-across-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3363110/heat-resilience-should-be-baked-buildings-across-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:30:06 +0000 Mario Cameira,Catherine Ma,Victor Sanjinez,Kaliz Lee,Dake Liu Mario Cameira,Catherine Ma,Victor Sanjinez,Kaliz Lee,Dake Liu https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/article/3356851/infographic-powerful-new-el-nino-cycle-begins-world-ready?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/article/3356851/infographic-powerful-new-el-nino-cycle-begins-world-ready?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:06 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The likelihood of a typhoon warning signal being issued in Hong Kong over the weekend is low, as Tropical Cyclone Kujira is set to weaken under the influence of Dolphin, but airlines nonetheless cancelled at least 22 flights between the city and Japan. The Observatory said early on Wednesday that Tropical Cyclone Kujira, meaning “whale” in Japanese, would linger over the central part of the South China Sea near the Philippine island of Luzon. It would maintain a distance of about 700km (435... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363005/typhoon-signal-unlikely-hong-kong-over-weekend-least-18-flights-japan-axed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363005/typhoon-signal-unlikely-hong-kong-over-weekend-least-18-flights-japan-axed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:26:11 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Local farmers have suffered six-figure losses because of extreme downpours since May, with a farm in northern Hong Kong flooded for seven hours during heavy rain on Sunday. Leung Yat-shun of Shun Sum Yuen farm in Yuen Long said on Monday that efforts to grow tens of thousands of sunflowers had been a washout since May, with precipitation in July alone having already surpassed typical levels by 23 per cent. “This year has dealt a severe blow to the farming industry,” Leung said. “It has been a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362819/non-stop-summer-rain-leaves-hong-kong-farmers-heavy-losses-crops-fail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362819/non-stop-summer-rain-leaves-hong-kong-farmers-heavy-losses-crops-fail?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:21:41 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong can expect sunnier but very hot weather later this week, the city’s forecaster has said, as residents woke to an amber rainstorm warning for the second consecutive morning. The Hong Kong Observatory on Monday issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 6.40am, following a similar alert on Sunday morning that remained in place for more than six hours. The warning was cancelled at 8.45am. The forecaster said heavy showers had brought more than 30mm (1.2 inches) of rainfall to many... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362736/hong-kong-face-brighter-hotter-weather-week-after-days-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362736/hong-kong-face-brighter-hotter-weather-week-after-days-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:31:32 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au A 59-year-old swimmer in a Hong Kong triathlon who went missing during an amber rainstorm has been found dead, prompting an expert to call for such events to be suspended when the relevant warning is in force, citing increasingly unpredictable extreme weather. Police told the South China Morning Post that Fire Services Department officers found the man at around 3.17pm on Sunday. He was sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po, where he was pronounced dead at 3.33pm. The force had... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362690/search-under-way-triathlete-59-who-went-missing-hong-kong-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362690/search-under-way-triathlete-59-who-went-missing-hong-kong-race?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:06:55 +0000