Gusty winds and sharp cooldown expected as late-season storm nears HK

A late-season low-pressure system could develop and move into the South China Sea this weekend, potentially bringing strong winds and a noticeable drop in temperature to Hong Kong early next week.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it is monitoring a low-pressure area expected to develop east of the Philippines later this week. The system has a high chance of crossing Luzon and entering the South China Sea around Sunday (Oct 19), though its exact track and intensity remain uncertain.

If the system develops, it is expected to interact with an approaching northeast monsoon, bringing strong winds and a few showers to the coastal areas of southern China from early to mid-next week.

Winds are forecast to strengthen significantly by Monday (Oct 20), with the weather watchdog predicting force 7 winds on high ground and force 6 winds offshore.

A marked cooldown will accompany the gusty conditions. Temperatures are expected to fall notably from Tuesday (Oct 21), with the urban area dropping to around 23 degrees Celsius.

The chill will deepen on Wednesday (Oct 22) when the urban minimum temperature is forecast to dip to 22 degrees, while several areas in the New Territories — including Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin, and Tai Po — could see lows of about 21 degrees.

Temperatures in Ta Kwu Ling and Shek Kong are expected to be even cooler, falling to around 20 degrees Celsius. The shift will bring a sharp contrast to the hot and mostly fine weather dominating the rest of this week.