The Hong Kong Observatory issued the cold weather warning on Sunday morning as temperatures in the city dropped to 12 degrees Celsius.

The observatory issued the warning at 2:30 am and urged residents to put on warm clothes as the northeast monsoon brought cold weather to the region. 

“People are also advised to avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds, especially on high ground and exposed areas to avoid getting cold and having adverse health effects,” the HKO said.

Kowloon City logged a minimum temperature of 11°C, Wong Tai Sin saw 11.2°C, while Kwun Tong had 11.7°C.

On Hong Kong Island, the mercury dropped to 12.1°C in Hong Kong Park, 12.2°C in Shau Kei Wan, and 12.5°C in Happy Valley. 

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The Home Affairs Department opened 18 temporary cold shelters in various districts, providing free hot meals and clean mattresses and blankets to those in need.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, and children, to take appropriate measures to protect their health amid the cold weather.

The observatory said Hong Kong was expected to see mainly cloudy weather on Sunday with one or two rain patches in the morning.

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There would also be sunny intervals in the afternoon with a maximum temperature of around 17°C, it added.

The HKO also said that it would still be cool in the morning in the next few days with the minimum temperature at 15°C on Monday and 16°C on Tuesday.