No 1 typhoon standby signal issued as tropical depression edges its way towards Hong Kong
Weather expected to worsen over next few days bringing high winds offshore and occasional thunderstorms
Hong Kong’s weather forecaster issued the No 1 typhoon standby signal late on Thursday afternoon as a tropical depression edged within 800km of the city.
The Observatory, which issued the signal at 5.15pm, said the depression was about 540km southwest of the territory and forecast to move north and northwest toward the western coast of Guangdong province in the direction of Hainan Island.
“Please consider the changes in weather when planning activities,” the forecaster said. “Beware that strong winds may occur over offshore waters.”
The tropical depression was expected to “keep its distance” from Hong Kong overnight so the need to raise the higher No 3 signal was “not high”, the Observatory added.
However, rain bands associated with the tropical depression would affect the city over the next couple of days, bringing with it strong winds over offshore waters and on high ground, as well as the occasional shower or thunderstorm.
Hong Kong has experienced sweltering temperatures in recent weeks. A very hot weather warning was issued last Friday at 8.30am and cancelled at 7.20pm on Thursday. It was in force for about 154 hours.
The recent longest stretch of very hot days was from May 18 to June 1, when the warning was in force for 348 hours.