HONG KONG – Outdoors enthusiasts like runners taking part in the Hong Kong Marathon 2025 on Sunday should keep warm amid forecasts of a dip to 9C this weekend, the Hong Kong Observatory has warned.
The HKO said in a 4:25 pm bulletin on Friday that a strong winter monsoon is gradually affecting the coastal areas of South China, which is expected to bring down the temperature to around 11C on Saturday morning in urban areas.
As the cold front persists over the weekend, temperatures will drop to around 9 or 10C on Sunday, which may become the lowest this winter.
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“Temperatures over the high ground may be close to the freezing point. It will become sunny and very dry,” reads the HKO bulletin.
The cold snap is coinciding with the Hong Kong Marathon 2025, which will be held on Sunday morning with the participation of over 74,000 runners.
It is expected to be cold in the morning and evening of Sunday, and runners should prepare suitable clothes and perform adequate warm-up exercises, advised the HKO.
The observatory also pointed out that the perceived temperature in Hong Kong will be lower than the actual temperature due to the significant wind chill effect, particularly for those engaging in outdoor activities. Therefore, people should be mindful of weather changes, keep warm, and pay additional attention to the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.
Lobo Louie Hung-tak, a senior lecturer of the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Education University, told local media that the sudden drop in temperature will slow down the flow of blood and make people feel more strenuous when running.
He suggests runners should spend more time warming up, diet one to two hours before the race, ensure sufficient hydration, get adequate sleep the night before, start at a slower pace, and run according to their capabilities.
The HKO said the weather will remain cold on Monday morning and temperatures will gradually rise by midweek.
READ MORE: Hong Kong braces for cooler weather as cold front nears
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in this cold weather.
“Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather,” said a CHP spokesman.
The same day, the Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary cold shelters in various districts for people in need of the service. The temporary shelters will remain open when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in this cold weather.
“Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather," said a CHP spokesman.
The same day, the Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary cold shelters in various districts for people in need of the service. The temporary shelters will remain open when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.
Contact the writer at fangxue@chinadailyhk.com
