Macao is going to experience a chilly Valentine’s Day, with weather forecasters warning that the weather will change markedly, and that today’s temperature is expected to drop “significantly”, especially at night when a strong northerly wind is forecast.
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau predicted that the mercury will drop to around 12 degrees Celsius in the middle of this week, and the weather is forecast to be mainly dry and clear in the following days, while it will remain relatively cool during the day.
According to the bureau, under the influence of a winter monsoon, the temperature will drop to about 11 degrees Celsius. However, after a few days of mostly fine weather, the mercury will gradually rise over the weekend.
The weather station hoisted the Yellow Cold Weather alert yesterday, indicating that a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius or below is expected between today and Thursday.
The observatory forecast is mainly cloudy weather today, with a few rain patches and mist at first.
In view of the Yellow Cold Weather alert, the cold-weather shelter in Ilha Verde district opened at 6 pm yesterday and will stay open until the weather warms up; blankets, food and hot drinks will be available for those seeking shelter from the cold, according to the Social Welfare Bureau.
The bureau underlined that in line with the government’s Covid-19 prevention work, members of the public are required to present a negative rapid antigen test result before entering the shelter.
The facility’s users must strictly comply with the Covid-19 prevention requirements set by the shelter, such as wearing their facemasks, undergoing a temperature check, and maintaining one-metre social distancing; those with respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough are required to seek medical advice before admission.
The bureau urged members of the public to take precautions against the effects of cold weather on their health by taking into account the physical health conditions of senior citizens living alone and those with chronic illnesses or frail health.
