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Application of a weather stress index for alerting the public to stressful weather in Hong Kong

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 May 2001

P W Li  and
S T Chan
P W Li
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Observatory, 134A Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
S T Chan
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Observatory, 134A Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Abstract

An operational procedure for alerting the public of stressful weather (exceptionally hot and cold situations) in Hong Kong has been implemented since late 1997. From a 28-year (1968-1995) climatological database, criteria based on a weather stress index (WSI) was established to define stressful weather conditions. A special bulletin is issued to the public when exceptionally high (hot, i.e. ≥ 97.5%) or low (cold, i.e. ≤ 2.5%) WSI is forecast. The bulletin provides information on current or predicted stressful weather conditions as well as statements on precautionary action to take. A study was also carried out to examine the effects of WSI on mortality rates on days with extreme WSI. Preliminary results indicate that there was a relationship between low WSI and mortality rates in winter. In summer, however, the results were not conclusive.

Type
Research Article
Information
Meteorological Applications , Volume 7 , Issue 4 , December 2000 , pp. 369 - 375
Copyright
© 2000 Royal Meteorological Society

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