HKO forecasts wind force reaching T8 signal level on Sun as tropical cyclone nears

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) updated its weather forecast on Wednesday, noting that a broad area of low pressure located east of the Philippines is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone, which was anticipated to move towards Luzon and gradually intensify near the coast of South China later this week.

According to the forecaster data, various computers and AI models have predicted the tropical cyclone will approach Hong Kong on Sunday (Jul 20).

In the latest update of the nine-day weather forecast, the Observatory has revised upwards the wind forecast for Sunday, with east to northeasterly winds of force 5 to 6 and up to force 8 "Gale" force
offshore and on high ground, which is the lower thresholds for the issuance of No.8 Typhoon signal.

However, HKO noted that uncertainties remain regarding its movement and intensity. 

It added that the tropical cyclone will bring squally showers and thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the South China Sea during the weekend to early next week.

(Nathan Leung)