There’s nothing like a classic cocktail of heat, humidity and pollution. Oh, summertime in Hong Kong!
The Environmental Protection Department announced at 3pm today that the majority of Hong Kong’s air monitoring stations are reporting readings of “Very High” in the Air Quality Health Index.
It is expected that the risk level could rise to “Serious” this afternoon and later into the week.
The situation is a result of several contributing weather factors, as Hong Kong sits under the influence of a continental airstream which has brought a higher concentration of pollutants to our shores.
The intense sunshine we’ve been experiencing also enhances the photochemical smog activities and increases ozone.
Finally, the light winds are doing little to disperse the ozone and nitrogen dioxide forming at roadside areas.
The pollution cloud is expected to remain above our city until Thursday or Friday, when light showers will start to roll in from the South China Sea.
Until then, the general public, especially the elderly and children, are advised to reduce their outdoor exertion to a minimum.
In short, there’s never been a better excuse not to go running. And there you were thinking this was a bad news story!
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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