Second day of scorching heat, authorities open cooling center

The city endured its second consecutive day under an orange high-temperature alert yesterday, as the Meteorological Bureau (SMG) forecasted a sweltering high of 36 degrees Celcius for both Saturday and yesterday.

A high of 34 degrees is forecast for today.

The SMG issued the orange alert Saturday, warning, “It is extremely hot in Macau today. The public should beware of heatstroke, avoid exposure to the sun, and drink more water.”

The bureau stressed that maximum temperatures could reach or exceed 36 degrees, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated.

Weather conditions are being driven by the subsiding airflow of a tropical cyclone, resulting in very hot, cloudy skies with occasional sunshine.

Temperatures are expected to range from 26 to 36 degrees, with humidity between 50% and 98%. The maximum UV index is forecast to reach 11, classified as “Extreme.”

To help the public cope with the extreme heat, authorities have outlined several measures. Residents are advised to take precautions against heatstroke, drink more water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours.

Despite the heat, crowds of locals and tourists were still seen around San Ma Lou and Rua do Cunha, equipped with handheld fans, umbrellas, and sun-protective gear.

Compounding the heat, the SMG also warned of poor air quality, advising people with heart or respiratory illnesses, pregnant women, children, and the elderly to minimize outdoor activities, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

In response to the extreme heat, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) opened its summer shelter in Ilha Verde at 11 a.m. Saturday. The shelter will remain open until temperatures drop. If the orange alert persists after 6 p.m., the shelter will extend its hours until 8 a.m. the following day.

100 smart bus shelters this year

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) plans to complete the installation of at least 105 new smart bus shelters across the city by the end of this year, according to a written reply by director Kelvin Lam to to legislator Lei Chan U.

Lam said the bureau has been working to improve the waiting environment at bus stops by upgrading facilities based on site conditions.

The new shelters are equipped with real-time bus information systems. At major terminals and border checkpoints, the bureau has also installed interactive traffic information screens with touch-screen functionality to provide residents and visitors with up-to-date transit data.

As of mid-May, construction work for 86 new shelters had been completed.