Hong Kong wakes to coldest morning this winter, as mercury drops below 10 degrees Celsius

The forecaster expected the weather to remain cloudy and dry, with humidity levels averaging 60 per cent.

The city will also experience moderate to fresh northerly winds that are strong offshore and on high ground.

Hong Kong Observatory issues first cold weather warning for winter

“The winter monsoon will continue to bring cold and dry weather to the coastal areas of southern China in the next few days,” the forecaster said.

Temperatures would rise slightly by the middle of next week as the monsoon moderated, it added.

A cold weather warning signal has been in force since 4.20pm on Wednesday, with the government opening temporary shelters run by the Home Affairs Department across the city for those in need.

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Residents can expect the cold weather to remain through to Christmas, with temperatures ranging between 10 to 15 degrees on Friday, which is the day of the winter solstice.

Also known as dong zhi, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

Temperatures will rise slightly on Christmas Day on Monday, with the mercury expected to range between 12 and 18 degrees.