HK marks the highest temperature this year

The Very Hot Weather Warning was in force for the most part of the day while the Thunderstorm Warning is expected to remain in effect until 8:30 p.m. This as the Observatory logged 34.6 degrees in the afternoon -- the highest record so far this year with a hail warning issued earlier today.

Hong Kong sweltered today with the Observatory having recorded 34.6 degrees in the afternoon, the highest temperature so far this year -- and also the hottest "Grain in Ear" day on record.

The Grain in Ear or Mangzhong in the traditional Chinese solar term refers to a crucial, busy farming period with rising temperatures and more humid weather.

This as Hong Kong is affected by a tropical depression near Taiwan and descending airflows, with weak and hot winds in Guangdong.

Many districts recorded temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, with Tai Po, Sai Kung and Happy Valley topping 36 degrees while Yuen Long and Sheung Shui were the hottest at 36.9 degrees.

As the Amber Heat Stress at Work Warning was in effect during the day, employers must arrange appropriate breaks each hour for employees working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments.

This rebar worker says today felt especially stuffy.

At this construction site, the rest station offers fans and water, with even watermelons served. But some other workers have to figure out their own way to stay cool.

This electric wire worker says it's quite uncomfortable today and they would take a break if they couldn't stand the heat. For contracted cleaners, their rest station is this semi-outdoor space.

Concern groups have called on authorities to revise the definition of work injuries to include heatstroke-related illnesses and fatalities. They cited cases where strokes were caused by not just the heat -- but also high blood pressure or heart problems.

Authorities sometimes do not treat the cases as work injuries and the workers do not receive relevant compensations.

The extreme heat has led to thunderstorms in parts of the city and a hail warning from the Observatory.

This is the start of a few rainy days, as a broad low-pressure trough is expected to affect the city, ushering in heavy showers and squally thunderstorms, and they may last till mid-next week.