Hong Kong's climate is subtropical, tending towards high-temperatures in summer. Under global warming, Hong Kong is getting hotter and the temperature continues to rise every year. From 1884 to 2018, the average number of "very hot days" (day with over 33oC) was 8 per year. Yet in 2014 to 2018, we had more than 28 "very hot days" per annum including a record high of 38 days in 2016 [1]. More extreme heat can be expected in the future.
Hot weather may seem harmless. However, research findings show that when the temperature has reached 29 oC, the number of death will increase by 1.8% with every 1oC rise [2]. Heat-related illnesses pose risks to everyone [3] [4] [7]. People who suffer from heat stroke may have shortness of breath, seizures and loss of consciousness [5]. Heat strokes may even kill. In 2017 at Wu Kau Tang in Sai Kung, a young hiker fainted, lost consciousness and died later after she was sent to the hospital [6]. In another incident in 2008, a minibus driver died of heat stroke in his vehicle in the absence of air-conditioning [7].
Heat-related illnesses can also lead to other serious consequences indirectly. In 2018, a professional driver lost control of his minibus when he suffered from heath stroke and hit 5 vehicles in the accident [8].
As you can see, the impacts of extremely hot weather can be severe. See our tips to prepare for and respond to temperature extremities. You can also learn ways to deal with any heat-related sicknesses [9] [10] [11].
Know the signs and ways to handle heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Stroke
Signs – Extremely high body temperature (above 39°C) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
Actions – Move the patient to a cool shaded place. Call 999 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Remove the patient's clothing and lay them down with feet elevated; give them drinks if they are conscious. Prevent people from gathering around the patient. If necessary, apply other body-cooling techniques like immersion in water, wet clothing and fanning until the symptoms disappear. Continue to replenish water and ask for help in order to rescue the patient as soon as possible. If the patient sweats heavily and convulses, provide salt water in the ratio of one teaspoon of salt to one liter of water.
- Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
- Try to keep your home cool by covering windows with drapes or shades and using a ventilator, fan or air conditioner.
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illnesses.
- Find places with air conditioning like libraries, shopping malls, and community centers that can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
- If you are staying indoors without air-conditioning, you should keep windows open as far as possible to ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
- Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 35°C as this can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create airflow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
- When engaged in outdoor work or activities, reduce prolonged exposure under sunlight. Drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen frequently. Avoid any high-energy activities or over exertion. If you are not feeling well, take a rest in the shade or a cooler place as soon as possible.
- Wear loose clothing, suitable hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to reduce the chance of sunburn.
- Pay attention to health conditions and watch out for signs of heat illness, especially among the elderly or people with chronic medical conditions.
Know the signs and ways to handle heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Cramps
Signs – Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
Actions – Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
Know the signs and ways to handle heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Exhaustion
Signs – Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
Actions – Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
Know the signs and ways to handle heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Stroke
Signs – Extremely high body temperature (above 39°C) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
Actions – Move the patient to a cool shaded place. Call 999 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Remove the patient's clothing and lay them down with feet elevated; give them drinks if they are conscious. Prevent people from gathering around the patient. If necessary, apply other body-cooling techniques like immersion in water, wet clothing and fanning until the symptoms disappear. Continue to replenish water and ask for help in order to rescue the patient as soon as possible. If the patient sweats heavily and convulses, provide salt water in the ratio of one teaspoon of salt to one liter of water.
- Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
- Try to keep your home cool by covering windows with drapes or shades and using a ventilator, fan or air conditioner.
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illnesses.
Note:
- [1] Adapted from Number of Very Hot days observed at the Hong Kong Observatory since 1884, exclude 1940-1946, Hong Kong Observatory.
- [2] Adapted from 天氣與健康─炎夏篇, Hong Kong Observatory.
- [3] Adapted from 【酷熱天氣】34度征鶴咀、玉桂山 兩小時兩行山女中暑一命危, HK01.
- [4] Adapted from 復活假最後一日 最高氣溫29度 男子行山中暑直升機送院, HK01.
- [5] Adapted from Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, NHS website (UK's health website funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care).
- [6] Adapted from 烏蛟騰行山中暑 文職女送院亡 四歲女喪母痛哭, HK01.
- [7] Adapted from 停車熄匙中暑小巴司機不治, The Sun (HK daily newspaper).
- [8] Adapted from 【酷熱天氣】青衣小巴司機疑中暑暈倒 橫衝直撞500米撼五車, HK01.
- [9] Adapted from Country Park Hiking Safety Guidelines, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HK.
- [10] Adapted from Extreme Heat Information Sheet, The Federal Emergency Management Agency, US.
- [11] Adapted from Cold and Very Hot Weather Warnings, The Hong Kong Observatory.