HK sees record number of tropical cyclone warnings this year

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a No. 1 standby signal on Thursday evening, marking the eighth tropical cyclone warning this year—the highest number recorded between January and August since 1946.

This comes less than a week after Tropical Cyclone Kajiki affected the city last weekend. August alone saw four tropical cyclone warnings, tying the monthly record also set in 1946.

The latest tropical cyclone moved west-northwest toward the sea south of Hainan Island, passing more than 600 km south-southwest of Hong Kong. 

Under the joint influence of the cyclone and a high-pressure ridge over southeastern China, some areas of Hong Kong experienced occasional strong winds. 

Due to the strong ridge, rainbands were concentrated along the western coast of southern China, resulting in relatively less showery weather in Hong Kong.

As the tropical depression gradually moved away from Hong Kong on afternoon, the Observatory cancelled all tropical cyclone warnings in the evening and subsequently issued a strong monsoon signal.

Although the cyclone is moving toward the north-central coast of Vietnam, Guangdong coastal areas including Hong Kong can still expect a few showers on tomorrow (August 30). 

An upper-air disturbance is also expected to bring occasional showers to the region early next week.

Unsettled weather expected on first day of school

For the start of the new school year on September 1, most conventional computer models predict increased shower activity around the Pearl River Estuary. 

Some models, including one from South Korea, suggest that a stronger upper-air disturbance could bring significant rainfall. In contrast, AI-based forecasting models generally predict weaker disturbances and less rainfall.

Based on a comprehensive assessment of various models, the current forecast for September 1 is mostly cloudy with a few showers. 

Showers will be more frequent in some local areas at first, with a chance of thunderstorms, and there will be occasional sunshine during the day. 

Members of the public are advised to bring rain gear when heading out.