The Hong Kong Observatory issued an extended heat warning on Thursday after a tropical depression over the northeastern South China Sea caused a severe subsidence inversion and sent temperatures soaring across the city. The mercury hit 34.2 degrees Celsius at the observatory and reached a high of 37.2 C in Sheung Shui in the New Territories.   

Despite the very hot weather, beachgoers ventured out to swim and sunbathe under the scorching sun, anticipating the squally thunderstorms that the weather system is expected to trigger later on. The HKO said Hong Kong is forecast to have rainy weather starting Saturday.  

China Daily's Andy Chong took the photos on Thursday.