Winter’s knocking? Cold front to slash Hong Kong temperatures to 16 degrees

Hong Kong will experience a significant drop in temperatures, with the city's forecast lowered to as low as 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday. The Hong Kong Observatory recently revised its predictions, noting the impact of an intense northeast monsoon bringing cool and dry weather to the region. Initially, temperatures were expected to reach a low of 18 degrees, but the updated forecast indicates a colder snap early in the week.

The cold front is set to move across Guangdong's coast, enhancing the northeast monsoon's influence and causing temperatures to drop considerably. Throughout the week, Hong Kong's weather will generally remain fine and dry, with morning temperatures remaining cool. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is anticipated to be substantial.

Urban areas are expected to see temperatures between 15 to 16 degrees Celsius, while the New Territories could drop as low as 13 degrees, particularly in areas like Ta Kwu Ling. As the monsoon weakens later in the week, temperatures are projected to gradually rise, reaching a minimum of 24 to 25 degrees by next weekend.

Moreover, the Observatory's former president, Dr. Mike Kwan Yat-wah, advised parents to have their children vaccinated against influenza before the temperature drop. He warned of a "double whammy" from overlapping summer and winter flu seasons, as viruses such as influenza and Covid-19 tend to thrive in colder weather and can spread more easily. He added that simultaneous infection with different viruses could potentially lead to more severe health issues.