Up to 8 tropical cyclones could hit Hong Kong this year: Observatory
- Prediction for this year follows extreme weather reports in 2021, when 10 tropical cyclones reached typhoon intensity or above
- Observatory pledges to enhance services this year by publishing seasonal forecasts for next three months
The Hong Kong Observatory has said the city could experience between five and eight tropical cyclones this year, with typhoon season potentially starting before June.
Issuing a statement on this year’s weather outlook on Wednesday, the forecaster said the first tropical cyclone could occur before June, while the last could happen around October.
“There may be about five to eight tropical cyclones coming within 500km of Hong Kong this year, which is normal to above normal,” it said.
Under the influence of global warming and local urbanisation, the chance of the annual mean temperature being normal to above normal was expected to be relatively higher than usual, the Observatory said.
“The annual rainfall is expected to be normal to above normal this year, and Hong Kong may be affected by heavy rain. Members of the public should make proper preparations for the rainy and tropical cyclone seasons.”
Last year, the Observatory issued a large number of dangerous-weather signals, including six red and two black rainstorm warnings.