More shivering days forecast as hikers test Tai Mo Shan freeze

Very cold weather will persist until the end of the week, according to the observatory, which says the lowest temperature today will be 6 degrees Celsius.

"Under the influence of an intense winter monsoon, it will still be cold over Guangdong in the next couple of days," the observatory said.

Yesterday, the observatory recorded a low of 6.3 degrees at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters - the lowest since the start of winter.

Tai Mo Shan had a reading of minus 2.4 degrees in the early morning, while it was 4 to 4.6 degrees in Ta Kwu Ling and Sheung Shui.

In the early hours yesterday, the temperature dipped to subzero in Tai Mo Shan, with many road signs, benches, trees, and bushes coated with ice. It was minus 2.9 degrees Celsius there at about 9pm last night.

The Transport Department closed all lanes to Tai Mo Shan Road at 5.45am yesterday due to cold weather, but some hikers still went up to check the scene.

"It's cold, but I feel warm deep down in my heart," said a man surnamed Chiu, who only wore three layers of clothing.

He parked his car at the bottom of Tai Mo Shan at 6.30am and hiked up the mountain.

A woman surnamed Wong said: "Even though it was raining and windy, I felt fine since I wore enough clothes. I'm not going to the top, it's too windy. Going back will be difficult, even though it's a vehicular road, it's very steep, icy, and slippery."

Some people in Tin Shui Wai said it was "obviously colder" than Monday, while others said they are going to buy more food and refrain from venturing out.

The Senior Citizen Home Safety Association said 58 seniors sought help through its care-on-call service, with seven of them taken to hospital after suffering falls or developing shortness of breath.

Specialist in geriatrics Shea Tat-ming said many seniors were also sent to hospital recently due to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

"If the elderly do not keep warm enough, their blood pressure and heart rate will increase, which can easily trigger heart disease and stroke," he said

He recommends seniors wear at least three layers of clothing - thermal underwear, a wool coat or fleece sweater, and an insulated jacket - and to keep windows open for air to circulate.

The Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary shelters. They will remain open while the cold weather warning is in force.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com