This screengrab taken from the Hong Kong Observatory's website showed temperatures recorded at different parts of Hong Kong at 3:20 pm on July 23, 2022.

HONG KONG – Local weather remains very hot on Saturday with the temperatures climbing to 37 degrees Celsius in the northern New Territories.

Under the dominance of the subtropical ridge, the weather is hot and fine over southern China, the Hong Kong Observatory said on its website.

ALSO READ: HKO warns of prolonged heat, mercury could hit 35 C

The very hot weather warning continues to be in effect Saturday. Local temperatures have been hovering around 30 degrees Celsius during day time over the past few days.

This screengrab taken from the Hong Kong Observatory's website showed weather forecast for July 22-31, 2022.

At 3:20 pm Saturday, Tai Lung, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long Park in the northern part of Hong Kong recorded recorded temperatures of over 37 degrees.

Saturday marks the beginning of this year's Major Heat, the 12th traditional Chinese solar term of the year

The observatory forecast “persistently very hot and fine” weather for the rest of July, with temperatures generally reaching 35 degrees or above early next week.

Saturday marks the beginning of this year's Major Heat, the 12th traditional Chinese solar term of the year. During Major Heat, most parts of the Chinese mainland enter the hottest season of the year.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong sees hottest May in 134 years

In a statement, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region called on members of the public to avoid prolonged outdoor activities to prevent heat stroke.

“If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible,” it added.

The Home Affairs Department said it will open 18 temporary night heat shelters on Saturday night for people in need. The shelters will be open from 10.30 pm Saturday until 8 am Sunday.

Employers should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water and setting up temporary sunshade, the Labour Department said in a separate statement.