The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) today reminded the public to pay attention to the anticipated progressive temperature fall in the next couple of days and get prepared for winter.

HKO Acting Assistant Cheng Yuen-chung explained that a cold front has formed over the northern part of southern China and is expected to move across the coast of Guangdong around midnight.

Mr Cheng said: “Under the continuous influence of the associated intense northeast monsoon and its replenishment, temperatures over Hong Kong will fall progressively with cool mornings and nights during the next couple of days.

“Temperatures on Thursday and Friday will fall to about 15 degrees Celsius in the urban areas, and a couple of degrees lower in the New Territories. The weather will be mainly fine and very dry with a rather large temperature difference between day and night."

The public, especially the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions or those planning for outdoor activities should pay attention to the changing weather and take appropriate precautions, he added.

SCHSA Chief Executive Officer Maura Wong stated that the association’s “Care-On-Call” Support Centre last year recorded an average monthly increase of over 10% in requests for assistance related to falls compared to the previous year.

“In light of this, the SCHSA urges the elderly to take proactive measures by ensuring they have adequate clothing and heating devices.

“It is also crucial to pay special attention to safety both at home and outdoors to avoid falling accidents.”

Additionally, she stressed that as the peak season for winter flu approaches, the SCHSA encourages seniors to get vaccinated as soon as possible to enhance their protection.

The latest weather forecast can be obtained by dialling 1878 200 or browsing the HKO's website.