The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reminded people, especially the elderly, to be prepared for the hot weather as the city's temperatures may reach the extremely hot level of 35 degrees Celsius or above today and tomorrow.

At a press conference jointly hosted with the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) this morning, HKO Acting Assistant Director Cheng Yuen-chung noted that the Very Hot Weather Warning has been in force for more than seven days since it was issued on June 20.

He said the temperature at the HKO on the Summer Solstice last Friday reached 34 degrees, the highest so far this year and equalling the record high for the Summer Solstice set in 1980.

Looking ahead, Mr Cheng said that under the influence of a subtropical ridge, the high temperatures will continue today and tomorrow over southern China including Hong Kong, and may reach the extremely hot level of 35 degrees or above.

He urged members of the public to pay attention to the changes in weather and take adequate measures to protect themselves against the heat.

SCHSA Chief Executive Office Maura Wong pointed out that the association has seen a significant increase in the number of help requests from the elderly during the recent spates of very hot weather.

It also recorded a 20% surge in the number of seniors being sent to hospitals within a week.

“We urge the elderly and their families to remain vigilant in very hot weather to prevent heat stroke. If they feel unwell, they should immediately seek help through the ‘Care-on-Call’ service or seek medical advice.”