Observatory issues hailstorm warning for Hong Kong on hottest day of the year

Hailstorms may affect Hong Kong later on Friday, the Hong Kong Observatory has warned, after Shenzhen was hit by heavy showers and hail.

That could bring a dramatic end to the hottest day of the year, with temperatures having peaked at 34.6 degrees Celsius in Tsim Sha Tsui this afternoon.

The observatory issued an amber storm warning at 8.15pm which was later cancelled at 9.45pm

A thunderstorm warning was issued at 4.40pm. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected tonight and tomorrow morning, with a chance of hail.

Thundery showers triggered by the recent high temperatures are expected to affect the coastal area of Guangdong.

“Isolated thunderstorms are expected to occur over New Territories East,” the observatory said.

In March, hailstones the size of golf balls and floods hit Hong Kong as a black rainstorm warning was issued.