5 more typhoons may approach Hong Kong by end of 2025, forecaster says
Hong Kong Observatory says figure is above normal and the coming months are likely to be rainier and hotter than usual
Up to five more typhoons are expected to come within 500km (310 miles) of Hong Kong before the end of the year, the forecaster has warned, urging residents to brace for unsettled weather, with the No 1 storm signal issued at 10.20pm on Saturday.
The Observatory said the figure was above normal and predicted that the coming months would be rainier and hotter than usual due to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
It also said on Saturday that a broad area of low pressure located within 800km of Hong Kong was bringing unsettled weather to the central and northern parts of the South China Sea.
The low-pressure area is expected to drift north in the general direction of the vicinity of Hainan Island and the coast of western Guangdong province and further develop.
The Observatory said it would assess the need to issue a higher typhoon warning on Sunday morning. It also predicted a rainy Sunday due to the windy weather and the developing area of low pressure.
“Squally showers will begin to affect [Hong Kong on Sunday] and showers will gradually increase later,” the forecaster said, calling on people engaging in water sports to be aware of the danger associated with rough seas.
Fourteen typhoons affected the North Pacific Ocean and South China Sea from the beginning of this year to August 15, five of which entered within 500km of Hong Kong and prompted the issuance of storm signals.