Coldest Spring Lantern Festival on record

Under the influence of the winter monsoon, the minimum temperature at the Hong Kong Observatory this morning (5 February 2004) was 7.8 degrees, the lowest on record for Spring Lantern Festival. The second coldest Spring Lantern Festival was on 14 February 1957, when a minimum temperature of 8.9 degrees was recorded.

The weather will continue to be cold for the rest of the week. It will also be cloudy with some rain. Minimum temperature in the urban areas in this period is expected to be about 8 to 9 degrees. It will be one or two degrees colder in the New Territories. The Cold Weather Warning will continue to be in force and the public should note the following precautions:

1. Please avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds.

2. If you know of elderly or persons with chronic medical conditions staying alone, please call or visit them occasionally to check if they need any assistance.

3. Make sure heaters are safe before use, and place them away from any combustibles.

4. Whatever the temperature, please ensure that there is plenty of fresh air in your room when you are using an old-type gas water heater.

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.