Passengers sit in the Star Ferry as the sun sets on Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on Jan 19, 2023. (ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)

HONG KONG - It will be cold in the morning of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year on Wednesday with temperatures dropping to around 10°C in the urban areas, the Hong Kong Observatory said on Tuesday.

In the New Territories, it could drop a couple of degrees lower, the observatory added. It will be cloudier in the following couple of days and cool in the morning.

A dry replenishment of the monsoon was expected to reach southern China on Friday, said the HKO, adding that it will be fine and dry with cold mornings during the weekend

An intense northeast monsoon associated with a cold front is affecting southern China, said the HKO, adding that temperatures will fall appreciably to a minimum of around 12°C on Tuesday night.

A dry replenishment of the monsoon was expected to reach southern China on Friday, said the HKO, adding that it will be fine and dry with cold mornings during the weekend.

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The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

The Social Welfare Department also reminded the elderly to take precautionary measures during the cold spell. Relatives, friends and neighbors were encouraged to show concern and care for the health of frail elderly persons, particularly those living alone.

READ MORE: HKO: Temperatures could drop to 7 C on Monday

The Labour Department suggested employers take appropriate precautions such as issuing reminders to staff to stay warm while working outdoors or in remote areas, and making arrangements to rotate from outdoor to indoor or sheltered work sites as far as possible.