HK Swelters As Mercury Climbs Ahead Of Holiday

The Hong Kong Observatory has warned people to beware of heat stroke if they spend time outside on the public holiday on Tuesday, with the city recording its hottest day of the year on Monday.

The scorching weather is expected to continue until showers arrive early next week.

On Sunday a hiker had to airlifted to hospital due to exhaustion and authorities received about 10 calls for help from groups who had gone hiking over the weekend, as the city experienced a spell of clear skies, but accompanied by rising temperatures.

Officials said the mercury soared to a peak of 34.7 degrees Celsius at the Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui on Monday, while it went higher still in other parts of the city.

Senior scientific officer Song Man-kuen said temperatures have exceeded 33 degrees for five consecutive days, and the hot and sunny weather will probably last for the rest of the week.

Song told RTHK's Maggie Ho that Hong Kong is on course to break the record set in May 1963 when the city saw temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius for eight days in a row.

She advised people to drink plenty of fluids, especially if they go out on Tuesday's public holiday, which marks Buddha's birthday.

Thousands will head to Cheung Chau to witness an annual procession for the famous bun festival held to mark the occasion.