Elderly told not to skimp on electricity as ‘very hot’ weather forecast to continue

 

About 1,800 elderly seek medical help each day because of the heatwave

The Observatory has warned that the hot spell that has enveloped Hong Kong for the past week will continue this weekend, and could even set a new record for the city’s longest heatwave.

Today’s temperature rose to 33 degrees, which was slightly lower than the 34.4 maximum recorded in the Observatory’s headquarters yesterday, the highest so far this year.

However, the temperature is forecast to climb up to a “very hot” 35 degrees over the weekend, and last for the entire week, potentially breaking the record for the city’s longest heatwave of nine consecutive days recorded in 2016.

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The Very Hot Weather Warning which is issued when the temperature hits 33 degrees or higher, could be extended for a few more days as a result.

The Observatory warned the worst could yet come, as Hong Kong sizzles the most in July.

"Under the background of global warming, we expect the temperature in the summer to rise compared to the past," an Observatory official said. "The general public should take extra precautions against heatstroke."

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Meanwhile, the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association has urged elderly people to keep their homes well ventilated and not to skimp on using fans or air conditioners to save electricity.

If they wish, they could instead go to community public facilities which are air-conditioned if they wish to escape the day’s heat.

Association officials said some elderly people suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease tend to ignore the effects of hot weather, so their relatives, friends and neighbors are urged to look after them.

The elderly should be reminded that they should avoid going out around noon, which is usually the hottest time of the day.

The association’s chief executive officer Maura Wong advised the elderly that if they start feeling dizzy, nauseous, extremely tired or dehydrated they should rest and seek help immediately.

Wong also asked everyone to particularly keep an eye on senior citizens who live alone.

The Association reported that since the first hot weather warning was issued this year, the number of requests for help from the elderly has risen by nearly 20%, averaging more than 1,800 cases per day.

The number of hospitalizations increased by 30% last week, with most elderly people seeking help due to dizziness, headaches, dehydration and other heat-related symptoms.

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