Observatory enhances the Hong Kong Heat Index information service

14 August 2017

The Hong Kong Observatory officially launched its enhanced Hong Kong Heat Index (HKHI) information service today (14 August). In addition to real-time data of the index at King's Park in the urban area, data at Beas River in Sheung Shui is also provided for reference by the public.

Hong Kong's summer is generally hot and humid. The HKHI reflects the combined effect of temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. In general, the public should take appropriate precautions when the index reaches around 30 or above to avoid the adverse health effects brought by hot weather. The addition of HKHI at Beas River in Sheung Shui helps the public to appreciate the heat condition in rural areas.

Dr Lobo Louie of the Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Social Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, said, "The Hong Kong Heat Index at King's Park previously launched facilitated the public to take precautionary measures against the heat. The addition of the index at Sheung Shui in the New Territories will be very useful for those engaging activities in the outskirts under hot weather."

Members of the public can use the enhanced Regional Weather in Hong Kong or Met on Map webpages of the Hong Kong Observatory to obtain the real-time HKHI at King's Park and Beas River. The Time Series of Hong Kong Heat Index webpage also shows the variation of the indices in the past 24 hours. The real-time HKHI information will later be made available on the mobile app "MyObservatory".