HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s weather forecaster issued the No. 1 typhoon standby signal early on Wednesday morning as the city woke up to another scorching day, with temperatures expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius.

The No.1 typhoon warning was issued at 12:40 am after a tropical depression, Wutip, formed over the central part of the South China Sea about 720 kilometers south of the city, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. It is forecast to move west-northwest at about 12 kilometers per hour in the general direction of Hainan Island.

The standby signal would be in effect until Thursday morning, the HKO said, adding that it will assess the necessity of issuing the strong wind signal No. 3 on Friday, as the tropical cyclone is predicted to intensify in the next couple of days.

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On the other hand, a very hot weather Warning remained in force on Wednesday over the city, with most parts of Hong Kong expected to experience a maximum temperature of around 33 degrees.

The territory will be mostly cloudy with a few rain showers during the day, the HKO said. Moderate to fresh easterly winds would be strong offshore and on high ground occasionally. There will be swells, the observatory added.

The HKO reminded the members of the public to stay on the alert to prevent heat stroke or other discomforts, as well as pay attention to health conditions.

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The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health urged residents, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in the hot weather.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the center said.