Hong Kong Hits Record Dry Spell: Doctors Warn of Health Risks

Hong Kong recorded its driest January day ever this week. The city's relative humidity fell to just 17% on Thursday, the lowest for the month since records began in 1984. This extreme dry weather breaks from Hong Kong's typically humid climate. Medical experts warn such conditions can pose serious health challenges. Dr. Edmund Lam Wing-wo, a family doctor, explains that sudden cold, dry air is conducive to viral survival and transmission. It also dries out the respiratory tract, making people more vulnerable to infections like influenza and COVID-19. "The mucous membranes in our nose and throat act as a defensive barrier," Lam said. "When they dry out, viruses can invade the body more easily." Doctors advise several key steps to stay healthy: * Use a humidifier at home to maintain indoor moisture. * Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. * Apply moisturizer to protect your skin from cracking. * Consider wearing a mask outdoors to help retain some humidity in your immediate breathing zone. The record dryness follows a colder-than-usual start to winter in the city, combining to create a heightened risk for respiratory illnesses.