Hong Kong recorded the hottest monthly temperature record in the last 140 years or since records began in 1884. The record occurred in April 2024. The average temperature last month reached 26.4 degrees Celsius.
“Summer isn’t here yet but April is already breaking heat records,” the regional observatory said on social media.
The subtropical Chinese city has faced extreme hot weather in recent years, including the highest daily and monthly temperatures recorded every year since 2019.
On April 27, Hong Kong also recorded a daily temperature record, including the highest daily average of touching 28.8 Celsius.
In contrast, between 1991 and 2020, the average daily temperature in April was between 21.1 and 25.6 degrees Celsius. This year’s hottest April on record came following a very warm winter from December to February, and a much warmer than normal March. The Observatory predicts temperatures will be above normal throughout 2024.
The Hong Kong Department of Labor also updated its three-level warning system for heat wave stress in the workplace. It then groups them into heat warnings issued by the observatory and doubles the minimum duration of heat warnings from 30 minutes to one hour.
Also read: This is the worst heat wave on record in all of Europe, Asia and America
This system requires rest periods or suspension of work depending on the temperature level and type of work.
Hong Kong has not included heatstroke in its laws as a work-related injury. Although there are reports of people dying from the disease while working in the hot summer.
The labor department’s heat stress alert system was launched last year. Critics say they apply too high a threshold for issuing warnings and cannot hold non-compliant employers legally accountable.
Globally, scientists warn extreme heat will become more frequent and intense due to climate change caused by human activities. (AFP/Z-11)
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