The first yellow hot weather signal of this year was raised this morning at 11:15 am by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (also known by its Portuguese initials SMG).
According to the bureau, “it is expected to be very hot continuously in Macao in the next couple of days,” with the temperature in certain areas reaching 33ºC or higher.
As of 1 pm this afternoon, the temperature had already exceeded 32ºC in the northern parts of the peninsula, as well as Coloane.
SMG’s forecast indicates that the temperature in the city will be cloudy and sunny on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures hovering between 28ºC to 32ºC. The mercury is expected to rise on Friday and Saturday, with a maximum temperature of 33ºC.
[See more: The Asian heatwave is shattering meteorological records]
In response to the increased temperatures, the SMG has urged the public to take measures to prevent heat strokes, recommending people stay hydrated, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and limit their time spent exposed to direct sunlight.
The current period of hot weather follows several weeks of unstable weather during which Macao was hit with heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Extreme weather and temperatures have become increasingly prevalent in Macao and other parts of the world due to climate change. Other areas in Asia, including the Philippines, India and Thailand, for example, were recently hit by a heat wave that saw temperatures as high as 50ºC.
An earlier SMG report stated the frequency of hot days in the SAR could double by the middle of this century.
