So hot: Hong Kong weather observatory posts record high temperature

Hong Kong's weather observatory has recorded its highest ever temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius, as Typhoon Dolphin brings scorching heat to the city. The storm has already resulted in numerous flight cancellations and evacuations along China's eastern coast, with the approaching cyclone expected to make landfall in Zhejiang or Fujian provinces by late today or early tomorrow.

The previous record, set in 2017, was 36.6 degrees. The Sheung Shui station, located in the north of Hong Kong, recorded an even higher temperature of 39.8C, the highest since automatic weather stations were introduced in the 1980s. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a "Very Hot Weather Warning" on Sunday, urging citizens to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

The extreme heat is expected to persist until Tuesday, as Tropical Cyclone Dolphin moves towards the Chinese mainland, approximately 1,000 km northeast of Hong Kong. Climate scientists warn that human-induced climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of such extreme heat events globally.