Prepare for the shivers

Bowie Tse

A cold front, rain and wind will last throughout the Lunar New Year holiday, with the mercury forecast to dip to 12 degrees Celsius today and tomorrow.

The observatory hoisted the cold weather warning at 4.20pm on Saturday as the winter monsoon affected the coastal areas of Southern China.

This will see temperatures ranging from 12 to 16 degrees until Friday in Hong Kong.

The observatory's scientific officer of forecast operation, Lai Sin-ki, predicted that temperatures will drop to 12 degrees in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and it would be the usual couple of degrees lower in the New Territories.

"Besides the dropping temperature, we predict a few rain patches during the Lunar New Year holiday with strong occasional offshore wind [from the north]," Lai said.

Under the influence of an upper air disturbance, Monday to Thursday will also be cloudy.

Warmer weather will return at the end of the week, with temperatures rising to 14 to 18 degrees on Sunday. There will be plenty of sunshine at the weekend.

Some part of Hong Kong have seen up to a four-degree drop since Saturday night, with Sheung Shui and Ta Kwu Ling recording lows of 11.2 and 10.5 degrees yesterday, respectively.

Eighteen temporary shelters were opened yesterday and will remain in service today.

All persons need to scan the QR code from their LeaveHomeSafe app to enter the shelter.

Those aged below 12 or above 65 who do not have smartphones will be required to complete a prescribed form to register their information, which need to be verified by shelter staff.

The observatory advised people to put on warm clothes and ensure adequate indoor ventilation.

"If you know of elderly persons or persons with chronic medical conditions staying alone, please call or visit them occasionally to check if they need any assistance," the observatory said.

People should avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds to avoid catching cold or suffering adverse health effects.

bowie.tse@singtaonewscorp.com