Hong Kong experts warn of hot days and the disappearance of winter

Mar 24, 2011, 7:34 GMT

Hong Kong - Climate change will leave Hong Kong sweating with a 10-fold increase in the number of very hot days and the virtual disappearance of winter by the end of the century, experts said Thursday.

The Hong Kong Observatory predicts there will be up to 175 days with temperatures over 33 degrees Celsius per year by the end of the 21st century, compared to an average of 16 at the moment.

In contrast, the number of cold days, when the temperature stays below 12 degrees, will drop from 17 to as little as only one day.

Observatory Director Lee Boon-ying said more accurate weather predictions had been made possible by 'more refined data simulation.'

Hong Kong currently has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures that range from around 6 degrees Celsius to the mid-30s.

The average yearly temperature is currently around 23.1 degrees but is predicted to rise by 4.8 degrees by the end of the century.

This year, the observatory is predicting the typhoon season could start in June and produce around six to nine typhoons, slightly more than normal. The season normally does not get under way under July.

Lee also warned of heavy rainfall increasing the risk of flooding and landslides in the wealthy city of 7 million.

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