The mercury rose to 31.5 degrees Celsius in Hong Kong on Sunday – the highest temperature recorded in March since records began in 1884.
The Observatory warned on Sunday that “[u]nder the persistent influence of a southerly airstream and plenty of sunshine, the weather will still be hot” on Monday. “The maximum temperature will be around 31 degrees in the urban areas.”
The week will start off hot and dry, with rain expected into the weekend, the Observatory says.
Meanwhile, Taiwan also saw unprecedented heat on Sunday. According to the Central Weather Administration, highs of 36 degrees Celsius were seen around Tainan.
Hot year ahead
Last week, Hong Kong Observatory Director Chan Pak-wai said the city will likely see another hot year. Between five and eight tropical storms may be expected, he said.
Hong Kong experienced its second-hottest year on record in 2023, with all 12 months warmer than usual as the annual mean temperature reached 24.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the past nine years were the warmest on record globally, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Last year also saw global mean sea levels reach all-time highs owing to the melting of glaciers, ice sheets and continued ocean warming.
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