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Ernest Kao

Hong Kong has broken a dozen weather records this year, ranging from the highest consecutive number of hot days to the most rainfall recorded in autumn.
The Observatory is expecting 2016 to go down in the books as the warmest year to date, smashing last year’s record, not just for Hong Kong, but also globally, as a result of climate change and one of the longest ever El Nino effects.
Last month was Hong Kong’s warmest October on record
The average maximum temperature recorded in Hong Kong this year up to October was 26.7 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees higher than the 30-year average measured from 1981 to 2010.


Mean temperatures over July and October – 29.8 and 26.8 degrees – were the highest measured since the government forecaster began keeping records in 1884, while June broke the record for average maximum temperature at 32.4 degrees.
Hong Kong swelters under hottest ‘Great Heat’ day in 44 years, Observatory says
The number of “very hot” days – when maximum temperatures surpass 33 degrees – hit 38 this year, compared to last year’s 28. Four days in a row of scorching weather in late June also set a rare record in 2016 for most consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degrees.
Typhoon Haima brings Hong Kong’s traffic to a standstill


September to November also saw 1,078.8mm of rain, breaking the record for the highest amount of rainfall recorded in autumn.
Observatory director Shun Chi-ming said scientific studies indicated that a weak La Nina weather pattern was about to develop, possibly lowering air temperatures over winter.
But other impacts such as global warming and urbanisation were likely to offset the effect, meaning this winter will see “normal” levels, with temperatures hovering around 16 to 17 degrees – the winter average recorded over the last 30 years.


An El Nino effect occurs when warm water accumulated in the western Pacific shifts east with the weakening or reversal of westerly winds, causing the eastern Pacific to warm up. A La Nina effect brings the opposite.
Climate change, Shun stressed, would continue to be a major concern as a target struck by countries in Paris last year to limit the increase of average temperatures “well below” 2 degrees was most likely to be missed.


City University chair professor of atmospheric science Johnny Chan Chung-leung said Hong Kong should brace for more frequent extreme weather events and big temperature fluctuations.
“In the past, Hong Kong gets progressively colder starting November and this is maintained till about March. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see more cold-warm intervals,” Chan said.
The Observatory also announced it would create a new Facebook page at the end of next year, to improve communication with the public and increase transparency.


Temperature in Hong Kong to drop to 14 degrees and remain cool till midweek

Chilly weekend ahead for Hong Kong as temperatures set to hit 15 degrees

Hong Kong registers a low of 13.2 degrees Celsius, coldest so far this autumn

Hong Kong registers low of 13.2 degrees Celsius, coldest so far this autumn

Hong Kong weather

12 weather records broken in 2016 for Hong Kong but ‘normal’ winter expected

Experts warn of more extreme weather events to come due to climate change. Photo: Bruce Yan

REFILE - CORRECTING TYPOA fire fighter helps a hiker on icy gound under sub-zero temperatures at Tai Mo Shan, the highest mountain in Hong Kong, China January 24, 2016. Government radio reported on Sunday that Hong Kong Observatory said it was the coldest day in 59 years, with the temperature dropping to 3.3 degrees in urban areas. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

This images taken on Island Eastern Corridor showing heavy rain. 19OCT16 SCMP / David Wong

10,000 flashes of lightning: Hong Kong marvels at the might of an epic  summer storm

Lightning over Hong Kong on Saturday night, July 9. Photo: Paul Yeung

High voltage light show over Hong Kong on Saturday night, July 9. Photo: Paul Yeung

Lightning over central Hong Kong. Photo: Stephanie Chow

Lightning flashes across Central on Saturday night Photo: Rudmer Hoekstra

Last month was Hong Kong’s warmest October on record

The previous highest mean temperature recorded in October was 26.5 degrees Celsius, in 2008. Photo: Sam Tsang

12 weather records broken in 2016 for Hong Kong but ‘normal’ winter expected

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Observatory says 2016 will go down as the hottest year on record for city

Observatory says 2016 will go down as the hottest year on record for city