The cold weather here seems to hit me much harder than my days growing up in my more Northerly Countries. It might be the comfort of the warmth most days of the year and then getting hit with two or three days of coldness approaching zero degrees, centigrade.
So we have to spend a few days each year in longer trousers and wearing a jacket. The streets suddenly change from everybody looking good in shorts and t-shirts to looking like a city in Siberia or Alaska. Scarves and hats are additional for those who like to look trendy.
The scene does not last long, the hats, coats, scarves, glove and long trousers are gone within a few days and everything is back to normal above 20 degrees centigrade temperature.
If your currently sitting in a country with freezing temperatures, snow blocked roads and closed airports then at least you`ll get use for your winter wear. The people of Hong Kong can only enjoy this seasonal fashion for a few days each year before the coats are retired in their plastic bags and mothball strips the closet.
The cold snap does not come completely without dangers. Most homes here come without heating of any sort and instead air-conditioning is commonplace. A sudden drop in temperature with no form of heating can affect the elderly more than a colder climate with heating. I`m not that old but the chill does get to me.
Still it wont last long, the shorts and t-shirts are having a chance to get washed and they will soon be on my back in a few days time.
The all important eye of the storm is about 350 kilometres south of Hong Kong island and heading roughly north west. In all the storm will pass by and we should not be affected by any strong winds.
