Hong Kong heatwave: residents in city’s subdivided flats, rooftop huts bear brunt of scorching weather
- Observatory records nine consecutive ‘very hot’ days this month, the sixth-longest streak for city since 1884
- Those in poorly designed homes seek refuge at parks, stairwells while others try to save on electricity bills by limiting air-conditioning usage
Hong Kong residents in the city’s infamous subdivided flats and rooftop huts are bearing the brunt of a sweltering heatwave, with temperatures hitting 35 degrees Celsius or more in some areas on Thursday.
The Observatory recorded “very hot” days from July 8 to 16, as well as on July 19 and 20, with the nine-day streak ranking as the sixth-longest for the city since 1884.
To upgrade precautionary actions, the forecaster also introduced a new “prolonged heat alert” on July 16, reminding the public to take measures such as ensuring sufficient water intake and seeking timely medical advice if unwell.
The Observatory recorded a maximum of 36.6 degrees in Sheung Shui at 1pm, and 35 degrees in Yuen Long, Ta Kwu Ling and Shek Kong over various hours on Thursday afternoon.
Retiree Suen Shau-shing, 78, is among residents with few cooling options and who live in homes poorly designed to provide protection from the heat. Suen avoids going back to his subdivided flat in Shek Kip Mei in the day during the summer.
The Post recorded 35 degrees at 1pm in Suen’s flat upon entry, the temperature dropped by one degree to 34 degrees after Suen turned on his three fans. However, that was still one degree higher than the Observatory’s mark in Tsim Sha Tsui, a neighbouring district.
He instead visits a park nearby upon waking up, staying in the shade there until around 6pm daily, before returning to his flat for a cold shower.
