With the exception of Thursday when we had a light shower of rain, we have mostly been experiencing beautiful clear weather with blue skies in Hong Kong for the past couple of weeks.  In fact, the weather has been SO cold and SO dry that the Hong Kong Observatory has been issuing warnings to the public.

We had a cold weather warning yesterday, for example, because the overnight temperature dropped to 12 degrees.  Our students from places like Canada and Norway can’t believe that a cold weather warning would be issued for temperatures that are 12 degrees ABOVE zero, but that’s what happens here in Hong Kong.

What advice is given for a cold weather warning?  According to the Hong Kong Observatory’s website, the standard Cold Weather warning is:

1.   Members of the public are advised to put on warm clothes and beware of low body temperature due to the cold weather.

2. If you must go out, avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds.

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

4. Make sure heaters are safe before use, and place them away from any combustibles.  If you are using gas heaters, make sure you leave all the windows open.

Hong Kong must be the only place I know where you are encouraged to visit the elderly because the temperature is 12 degrees, or you are advised to leave your windows open because the weather is cold.

The dry weather warnings are also meant to be helpful.  As well as advising people not to light any fires, the public is also advised to wear more moisturiser.  Among the warnings for a ‘red fire alert’, which is in force today for example, are the following:

1. Handle and dispose of cigarettes and matches with care.

2. Only burn joss sticks and “paper money” in containers.

3. Do not overload the electricity circuit by using too many plugs and appliances.

4. Do not leave a stove which in use unattended.

... and just in case you are out walking in the countryside and happen to see a fire, should you have access to the internet (!) you could read the following helpful suggestion:

“If you see a hill fire nearby, keep calm.  Note the direction in which the fire spreads, avoid escaping in the same direction as the prevailing wind.  Find a place with less vegetation and choose a path which is easiest for escape.  It is easier and quicker to escape through existing paths.”

I hope I have internet access next time I see a hill fire; otherwise I might need to think for myself  :-)