The Hong Kong Observatory issued the very hot weather warning on Sunday afternoon as temperatures in the city climbed over 31 degrees Celsius, with Cheung Chau recording a maximum temperature of 35°C.

The observatory issued the warning at 2:05 pm and urged members of the public to take extra precautions and beware of heat stroke.

"Watch out for any symptoms of heat stroke," the observatory said, adding that elderly persons, pregnant women, children, those with chronic illnesses, and the obese were more vulnerable to heat stroke.

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According to the HKO website, temperatures in Cheung Chau island reached 35°C at 1:57 pm. The mercury also reached 35°C in Lau Fau Shan in the New Territories at 2:50 pm while Sai Kung and Tai Lung recorded 33.8°C.

In the city’s urban areas, temperatures reached 33.7°C in Wong Tai Sin, 33.6°C in Kwun Tong, and 31.3°C in Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reminded members of the public, especially those engaging in outdoor activities, to take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke and sunburn.

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"When engaging in outdoor activities, you should bring and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration," said a spokesman for the center.

"When engaging in strenuous outdoor activities, you should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, as they increase the rate of water loss through the urinary system," he added.

The observatory eventually cancelled the very hot weather warning at 4:20 pm.

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It also said that upper-air disturbances were expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to Guangdong midweek this week. But as the upper-air disturbances depart, the weather will be very hot over the region towards the weekend, the observatory added.