Hong Kong recorded the coldest temperature so far this winter, with the mercury dipping to 8.1 degrees at the observatory’s headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui on Saturday morning.

It was even colder in other parts of the territory, with the temperature plunging to around 6 to 7 degrees.

The forecaster said it will continue to be cold on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but it will gradually get warmer later in the week.

"The winter monsoon will bring persistently cold weather to southern China in the next couple of days... with the monsoon moderating, temperatures will rise gradually over the coast of Guangdong midweek next week, but it will still be cool in the morning," it noted.

The observatory reminded residents to avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds, especially on high ground.

"Owing to possible icing conditions on high ground, members of the public, motorists and cyclists should be aware of the danger on slippery roads," it added.