Hong Kong Shatters 140-Year Temperature Records in Hottest April Since 1884

Hong Kong experienced its hottest April on record since 1884, with an average temperature of 26.4°C, according to the city's weather observatory.

This marks the "warmest April" in 140 years, breaking nearly a century and a half of temperature records for the thriving city.

Why this matters: The record-breaking temperatures in Hong Kong serve as a warning sign for the escalating threat of climate change, which can have devastating consequences on global ecosystems and human societies.

As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, cities around the world must adapt and invest in resilience measures to protect their citizens and infrastructure.

The sweltering heat reached a peak on April 27, when Hong Kong set several daily temperature records for the month. The city recorded its highest-ever daily average temperature for April at 28.8°C. Even more strikingly, the highest daily low temperature hit a staggering 27.7°C, shattering previous records.

To put these record-breaking temperatures into context, the average daily temperature in April between 1991 and 2020 ranged from a milder 21.1°C to 25.6°C. The striking contrast highlights the severity and abnormality of the recent heat wave that has gripped the city.

The record-breaking April heat follows what the observatory described as an "exceptionally warm" winter from December to February and a "much warmer than usual" March. Looking ahead, the observatory expects temperatures to remain"above normal" throughout the remainder of 2024, raising concerns about the long-term impact of climate change on the region.

In response to the scorching temperatures, Hong Kong's labor department has taken proactive measures to protect workers from heat stress. On May 1, the department updated its three-tier warning system, aligning it with the observatory's hot weather alerts. The minimum duration of a heat advisory has also been doubled from 30 minutes to one hour, ensuring that employers and workers have ample time to take necessary precautions.

The record-shattering April temperatures serve as a wake-up call for Hong Kong and cities worldwide. As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns and intensify extreme events, it is essential for governments, businesses, and individuals to adapt and build resilience.

Hong Kong's swift response in updating its heat stress warning system is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive measures may be necessary to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on public health, infrastructure, and the economy in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong experiences hottest April on record since 1884 with 26.4°C average temperature.
• Record-breaking temperatures signal escalating threat of climate change.
• Hong Kong sets daily temperature records on April 27, with 28.8°C average and 27.7°C low.
• Labor department updates heat stress warning system to protect workers.
• Cities must adapt and invest in resilience measures to mitigate climate change impact.