Open AccessApplication of a weather stress index for alerting the public to stressful weather in Hong Kong
Author(s) -
Li P W,
Chan S T
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
meteorological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1469-8080
pISSN - 1350-4827
DOI - 10.1017/s1350482700001602
Subject(s) - index (typography) , extreme weather , environmental science , hot weather , cold weather , climatology , weather patterns , meteorology , geography , computer science , climate change , biology , ecology , geology , world wide web
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. Copyright © 2000 Royal Meteorological Society