Haima set to bring heavy showers

Heavy, squally showers are forecast for Hong Kong today as Tropical Depression Haima moves closer to the city and strengthens to a tropical storm.

The Observatory was considering the need to raise the strong wind signal No3 overnight or this morning. Haima is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 10km/h towards western Guangdong. At 9pm, it was about 360 kilometres south-southeast of Hong Kong.

Haima, which means seahorse, is heading for landfall between Taishan and Xuwen. Mainland authorities warned coastal areas to prepare for adverse weather.

The outer rain bands of the storm arrived in Hong Kong yesterday afternoon, helping to cool temperatures, with the very hot weather warning cancelled at 2.15pm.

The Observatory said winds would strengthen and rain would be heavy at times tomorrow, and some squally showers were still likely.

Sunny intervals are expected on Friday and Saturday but thunderstorms are forecast on Sunday and Monday.