Observatory records the hottest December since 2004 with Sheung Shui seeing 31.3 degrees

The Observatory recorded 31.3 degrees Celsius at Sheung Shui in the afternoon, the highest temperature in December in nearly two decades.

Several observation stations across the city also recorded over 30 degrees - with the Wetlands Parks marked 31.2 degrees and Tai Lung and Ta Kwu Ling recording 30.2 and 30 degrees, respectively.

However, as the northeast monsoon will gradually affect the coast of Guangdong starting Tuesday, it will be cloudier in the following couple of days.

The weather watchdog said a cold front is expected to reach the coast of southern China on Saturday (Dec 16), and the mercury will drop significantly to 16 degrees with a few rain patches over the region. 

The associated intense northeast monsoon will bring dry and relatively cool weather to the coastal areas of Guangdong early next week, it added. Hong Kong could see 14 to 17 degrees next week and reach as low as 13 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.