Hong Kong is expected to remain extremely hot over the coming days. The Hong Kong Observatory forecast issued in the early hours of 8 August indicated maximum temperatures of around 35°C on 8 August, 36°C on 9 August and 35°C on 10 August, followed by highs of about 34°C and 33°C. The Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
The Very Hot Weather Warning and the prolonged heat alert remained in force in the early hours of 9 August. The maximum temperature was forecast to reach about 36°C, with some areas possibly reaching 37°C or above.
The Observatory has noted that the heat is being intensified by the outer subsiding air of Typhoon Dolphin, which is moving across the East China Sea towards Zhejiang and northern Fujian.
Many judo dojos and indoor sports venues in Hong Kong are air-conditioned. Air conditioning, however, does not remove the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Hong Kong's high humidity, the thickness of the judogi and prolonged warm-ups, throwing practice and intense randori can still lead to heavy sweating and heat build-up.
Coaches and judoka should drink water before, during and after training, while adjusting randori intensity and rest periods to the conditions. Children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those recovering from illness and anyone not acclimatised to the heat require additional care.
Dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue or confusion may be warning signs of heat-related illness. Training should stop immediately if a participant feels unwell.
Judo values perseverance, but safety does not mean forcing the body to continue. Reducing intensity, allowing more recovery and watching over training partners during extreme heat are also practical expressions of mutual welfare and benefit.