Cold Spell to Persist during the Lunar New Year Holidays

Under the influence of an intense winter monsoon, the minimum temperature at the Hong Kong Observatory this morning (January 21) was 8.0 degrees, the third lowest on record for Lunar New Year's Eve.

The weather will continue to be cold during the Lunar New Year Holidays. The minimum temperature overnight tonight is expected to be about 9 degrees, and again falling to about 8 degrees on Sunday morning (January 25). Temperatures will be even lower in the New Territories. The Cold Weather Warning will continue to be in force in the next few days.

The public are reminded to dress warmly when going out to avoid coming under the weather. If you know of any elderly persons who are living alone or are chronically ill, the coming holidays would be a good opportunity to call or visit them and extend a helping hand.

In addition to being cold, the weather in the next few days will also be dry. Care should be exercised when engaging in activities involving the lighting of fires. Do make sure heaters are safe before use.

For the latest weather information and 7-day weather forecast, please call the Hong Kong Observatory's Dial-a-weather [Cantonese (187-8200), Putonghua (187-8202) and English (187-8066) ] and the Telephone Information Enquiry System (2926-1133).

You are also welcome to visit the following Internet web sites of the Hong Kong Observatory:

http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/current.htm

http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/flw.htm

http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/fnd.htm

Members of the public who wish to get more information on the precautionary measures against cold weather can call the Department of Health's Central Health Education Unit Hotline at 2833 0111. Information can also be obtained from the Department of Health's health education homepage at http://www.cheu.gov.hk and click "What's New" to obtain a relevant fact sheet.

Members of the media who wish to obtain more information on the latest weather situation should contact the Observatory's Duty Forecaster at 2926 8473.