The Hong Kong Observatory issued the first “very hot” weather warning this year as temperatures soared across the territory on Thursday.

It is the earliest hot weather warning issued in any given year since records began, according to the Observatory. Last year, the first “very hot” warning was issued on June 3, as the mercury hit 32.1 degree Celsius.

hot weather warning
Hong Kong Park. File photo: GovHK.

The Observatory recorded a temperature of 32.8 degree Celsius at 12:30pm, with 57 per cent humidity. The mean UV Index was at the “high” level of 7.

Temperatures recorded in northern New Territories, such as Sheung Shui, Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long are among the highest, all above 33 degree Celsius.

weather map
Temperatures across Hong Kong on Thursday 12:40pm. Photo: Hong Kong Observatory.

Members of the public are advised to avoid prolonged exposure under the sun and take measures to avoid sunburn, such as wearing loose clothing, wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or above.

The coast of eastern Guangdong is being affected by a strong easterly airstream. The weather is expected to become windier on Friday.

weather forecast
9-day weather forecast. Photo: Hong Kong Observatory.

While sunny periods are expected over the weekend, the weather will be unsettled with showers from next Monday onwards, bringing down the temperature to below 30 degree Celsius.

Ellie Ng has written for Foreign Policy, the Daily Telegraph, Global Voices Online and others.