Region records lowest temperature since 1949

According to weather monitoring stations in Taipa, yesterday was the coldest day since 1949 – and possibly earlier – with one monitoring unit recording a low of 1.6 degrees Celsius at Big Taipa Hill.
Today the temperature is expected to drop even further, with estimates last night suggesting a drop to between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius. In response to this drop, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau issued a warning last night, urging  primary, kindergarten and special education schools  close for the day.
The Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued an “Orange (cold)” alert for yesterday and today, adding that both days will be subjected to “Force 4 to 6 northerly winds with gusts.”
Other unconfirmed reports last night suggested that there was light snowfall yesterday in Taipa and Coloane. According to some sources, the air temperature was low enough in other areas to partially freeze the rain, thereby resulting in sleet even in urban areas.
In addition, according to TDM, the Social Welfare Bureau’s temporary winter shelter in Ilha Verde has been opened for homeless citizens and people in need of temporary accommodation. It can provide shelter and hot meals for up to 120 people.
The bureau encouraged social services to pay extra attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and the sick.
According to the bureau, temperatures are expected to return to normal toward the end of the week, and will be accompanied by a corresponding increase in humidity.
On the other hand, rain is likely to persist until the weekend.
These temperatures are part of a cold snap sweeping across the southern and eastern parts of China. Some locations are observing record-low temperatures as has been the case in Macau, with some claiming it is the worst winter in over 30 years – especially in more north-eastern parts of China, that have recently registered lows of minus 30.
The accounts are striking in contrast with last week’s report, which claimed that, according to most authorities, 2015 held the record for the warmest year.
The SMG told the Times last week that on average, only eight days in a given year see temperatures dip below 12 degrees. Staff reporter

public hospital reports hypothermia cases

The Health Bureau (SSM) reported that three cases of hypothermia were reported. All of the cases involved senior residents. Since low temperatures are expected to continue over the next few days, the director of the Health Bureau (SSM), Lei Chin Ion, called on all residents – particularly the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses –
to adopt special measures to protect themselves against the cold weather. SSM has also made an appeal for caretakers of senior citizens, children and the chronically unwell to take appropriate measures.

below zero temperatures in hk

Hong Kong has been subjected to the same bitterly cold temperatures as those in Macau, recording single digits even in urban areas. In areas of high elevation and the New Territories, the temperature dipped even lower than those in the urban areas. According to a report on TVB Pearl, temperatures in Tai Mo Shan dropped to minus 2 degrees yesterday, and a frost warning was issued. Authorities also encouraged elderly residents and other vulnerable groups to take extra precautions in the cold weather. There were more than 40 cases of hypothermia treated in the neighboring region yesterday.