A new record for the longest streak of hot nights for May could be set if the temperature hits 28 degrees Celsius on Friday night.

There have been six consecutive hot nights since Saturday, tying the record for the longest continuous period of hot nights in May since records began at the observatory.

"Actually, looking back at May in previous years, we usually start to see some hotter weather," acting assistant director of the observatory Choy Chun-wing told an RTHK programme.

"If we look back around April and May, there have been some very hot days, so, it’s not particularly early this year for the heat to begin."

Choy said the heat is expected to continue on Friday, with maximum temperatures of around 35 degrees in urban areas and one to two degrees higher in the New Territories.

The observatory predicts that Friday’s maximum UV index will be approximately 11, indicating an extremely high level of intensity.

A man surnamed Sit told RTHK that he is paying closer attention to his health during the hot weather. Staying hydrated and being mindful of the temperature difference between the air-conditioned indoors and scorching outdoors, he said, are essential to beating the heat.

"You've got to drink lots of water and try not to step into the air-conditioned room so quickly, so let your body adjust a little bit more. If you work in an air-conditioned office, you should bring a jacket... to avoid catching a cold," he said.

"The climate is really changing these days. I'm really concerned. I don't know how we are going to bear it, but the thing is just ease into the temperature so that you don't get thermal shock."

Meanwhile, an elderly woman surnamed Yau said the hot weather will not stop her from getting her daily steps in. She also said she does not turn on the air conditioner unless absolutely necessary.

"It's not good to turn on the air conditioner all the time. It's not good for the environment or for people. If it isn't too hot and the weather is bearable, just turn on the fan or avoid too much movement at home," she said.

"If you go out for a walk, just go home and shower immediately. After you have a seat, you will be comfortable again."

Another senior, surnamed Chan, said he is quite used to the heat having worked under hot conditions for many years. He said that turning on a fan is all he needs to get through the summer months.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden