Hong Kong plagued by haze and smog as new typhoon threat looms
Central, Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok recorded a “serious” rating, the worst on the air quality health index
Hongkongers are facing poor air and scorching heat ahead of more wet weather as a new typhoon brewing near the Philippines threatens to come within 400km of the city.
On Tuesday the Environmental Protection Department recorded high levels of pollution. Central, Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok registered a “serious” rating – the worst on the air quality health index.
Temperatures reached over 35 degrees Celsius in parts of the city, with Tseung Kwan O recording a high of 36.2 degrees, according to authorities.
The hot weather was brought about by subsiding air currents from Talim, a storm 750km east-southeast of Taipei, the department said. The resulting intense sunshine had caused high ozone concentrations, and the lack of strong winds meant the pollutants were not being blown away.
The Centre for Health Protection advised the public to keep outdoor activities to a minimum if pollution levels reach a “very high” reading – one level lower than “serious”.
