Hong Kong logs lowest temperature this winter at 8.1 degrees, issues first frost warning amid risk of slippery roads and possible icy conditions

Hong Kong recorded its lowest urban area temperature for the winter at 8.1 degrees Celsius (46.6 Fahrenheit) and issued its first frost warning on Saturday, with the local forecaster alerting residents to possible icy conditions that could lead to slippery roads.

The Hong Kong Observatory said a winter monsoon and rainband were behind the cold weather in the morning, with parts of Kowloon, Sai Kung, Sha Tin and Tai Po recording temperatures between 6 and 7 degrees.

“Owing to possible icing conditions on high ground, members of the public, motorists and cyclists should be aware of the danger on slippery roads,” the Observatory said, advising residents to avoid staying outside in wintry winds for long periods, especially in exposed areas.

The minimum temperature of 8.1 degrees recorded at the forecaster’s Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters was the lowest for urban areas so far this season.

At 4:30pm, the Observatory issued its first frost warning of the season, which it had not done since January 29. The forecaster warned farmers that ground frost was likely to occur on Sunday morning on high ground and in the northern part of the New Territories.

The Observatory said temperatures between 8 and 12 degrees would continue over Christmas Eve on Sunday and into Christmas Day, with the mercury gradually rising in the middle of next week.

The Centre for Health Protection on Saturday said the cold weather could trigger or exacerbate conditions, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease, especially among the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.