The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) opened Macau’s temporary heat shelter yesterday in conjunction with Caritas Macau after the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued a yellow hot weather alert.
The shelter is located at 34 Rua Leste da Ilha Verde, Bairro da Ilda Verde Building (青洲東街34號青洲坊大廈E1的避寒中心).
The shelter offers free accommodation, snacks and beverages.
The yellow hot weather warning indicates a “very hot” weather forecast, typically triggered when temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius or higher. Issued by the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), the advisory signals a high risk of heatstroke. The government typically opens up temporary cooling centres (customarily at the emergency shelter in Ilha Verde) to offer respite from the blazing heat and high UV indexes for vulnerable individuals. In the winter, the shelter provides protection from particularly cold weather. The centre is run by Caritas Macau on behalf of the government.
Speaking to the Post yesterday, a Caritas Macau staff member said that under the yellow hot weather alert, the heat shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, under the orange hot weather alert, the heat shelter runs from 10.am. through 8 a.m. on the following day.
The local weather station uses a two-level hot weather warning system. The orange alert signifies “extremely hot” weather, typically issued when maximum temperatures are forecast to surpass 34 or even 35 degrees Celsius.
According to the alert issued by the local observatory yesterday afternoon, the mercury reached 33.3 degrees Celsius at the Outer Harbour station.
According to an IAS statement yesterday, the bureau urged residents to pay attention to the physical condition of elderly family members, seniors living alone, people with chronic illnesses and physically vulnerable individuals, and to take appropriate precautions against heat-related health risks during the hot weather period.
Residents seeking information about the operation of the heat shelter can contact the bureau during office hours on 2827 0939 or during non-office hours on 6399 1963.
This photo taken yesterday shows a TV room at the temporary heat shelter on Rua Leste da Ilha Verde yesterday. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
