Rainy days ahead as bad weather heads our way

The Standby signal No 1 strong wind signal was hoisted at 9.40pm yesterday as the low pressure surrounding Leizhou Peninsula has developed into a tropical depression.

The Observatory forecasts that it will be cloudy with occasional showers and squally thunderstorms over coastal areas from tomorrow to Friday.

Temperatures will range from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.

The area of the tropical depression is from the south of Leizhou Peninsula and is around 400 kilometers from Hong Kong, moving slowly eastward in the coming three days.

It is expected to gradually intensify and move across the coastal waters of Guangdong. "The associated heavy rain and thunderstorms will affect the coast of southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea in the middle and latter parts of this week," said the Observatory.

"Under its influence, there will be occasional showers and squally thunderstorms over the coastal areas from Wednesday to Friday."

It is expected to be the closest to the Pearl River estuary during the middle of the week.

However, the Observatory told The Standard that due to the uncertainties regarding its track and further development, it is difficult to tell if there is a great chance that the area of the tropical depression will intensify into a tropical cyclone or tropical storm.

Due to the potential threat of the tropical depression, Macau's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issued the signal No 1 at 7pm yesterday.

Meanwhile, despite the influence of the tropical depression, less rain is expected on Monday and Tuesday as a southwesterly airstream will affect Hong Kong early next week.

"Occasional sun showers are expected from Monday to Tuesday under the effect of the southwesterly airstream," said Chan Wai-soen, a scientific officer from the Hong Kong Observatory.

Cloudy weather will be seen this week, while occasional showers and thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday.

Rain showers will be heavier on Thursday and Friday.