Hong Kong Hits 33°C as Dust Haze Lingers, Health Risk Rises

Hong Kong recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday, with temperatures climbing to 33°C (91.4°F) in Tsim Sha Tsui and reaching 36.3°C in Sheung Shui, as a lingering haze of dust and sand from northern China blanketed the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a Very Hot Weather Warning at 1:45 p.m., advising residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, air pollution levels across much of the city soared into the “serious” category, prompting health warnings for vulnerable groups.

Visibility and Pollution at Alarming Levels

Senior scientific officer Yeung Kwok-chung from the Hong Kong Observatory said this was the most severe hazy weather event in more than 15 years. The last similar occurrence was in 2010, when sand and dust affected large parts of East Asia, including Japan and South Korea.

“Although there is a chance of an easterly wind on Wednesday that might slowly ease the situation, much depends on its strength and the atmospheric conditions,” Yeung said during a radio interview.
He noted that the current haze was caused by dry northeasterly winds picking up sand and dust from mainland China's deserts and transporting it across southern regions.

On Monday, visibility at the Observatory’s headquarters dropped to just 5km (3.1 miles) by late morning, and rose slightly to 6km by Tuesday.

Air Quality Health Index Hits “Serious” Levels

The government’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which ranges from 1 to 10+, categorizing risks from “low” to “serious,” reflected alarming levels of pollution on Monday and Tuesday.

By 6 p.m. Monday, 14 out of 18 monitoring stations reported “serious” pollution levels, including in densely populated areas such as Central, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay. As of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 14 districts still registered “high” or worse readings.

Medical Experts Urge Precaution for At-Risk Residents

Family doctor Lam Wing-wo advised that elderly residents, children, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should limit outdoor exposure, especially when AQHI readings hit the upper threshold.

“If the index reaches ‘serious’, high-risk individuals should stay indoors to avoid aggravating existing conditions,” Lam said on the same radio program. He clarified that occasional exposure is unlikely to cause long-term damage, but repeated or extended exposure should be avoided.

Holiday Weather Outlook

The haze is expected to persist through the Easter holiday week, although a possible shift in wind patterns could bring partial relief. However, any improvement will depend on the intensity of the incoming winds and the atmosphere’s capacity to disperse the pollutants.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are urged to follow health advisories, reduce outdoor activities during peak heat and pollution hours, and ensure adequate hydration and ventilation indoors.

With temperatures soaring and air pollution reaching critical levels, Hong Kong faces a challenging combination of heat and health risks. As the city awaits clearer skies, public health experts and meteorologists alike stress vigilance—especially for those most susceptible to environmental stress.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for the latest updates on weather conditions, environmental alerts, and health advisories across Hong Kong and Asia.