Hong Kong to see 5 to 8 tropical cyclones, hotter weather this year, Observatory says
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong is expected to see warmer temperatures this year, as well as five to eight tropical cyclones – a number that the Observatory describes as “normal to above average.”
The city is forecast to experience its tropical cyclone season from around June to October – in line with usual patterns, said Chan Pak-wai, the Observatory’s director, during a press conference on Tuesday.
Between five and eight tropical cyclones are expected to come within 500 kilometres of the city, Chan said, describing the number as “normal to above average.”
Over the past decade, Hong Kong has seen an average of 6.1 tropical cyclones coming within 500 kilometres of the city per year. In 2024, there were five, according to the Observatory’s figures emailed to HKFP.
The Observatory also warned that the average temperature this year would be higher than normal.
The forecast came after Hong Kong experienced its hottest year on record last year, with an average temperature of 24.8 degrees. The city also recorded 11 months that were warmer than usual.
“In general, the temperatures in Hong Kong are on a rising trend in the past few years,” Chan said.
During the past year, Hong Kong also had the highest wind temperature due to “urbanisation and also the effect of climate change,” the director also said.
Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to be normal this year, although the Observatory warned that residents should still be ready for storms as there was a chance of torrential rains.
Hong Kong’s first amber rainstorm warning this year was hoisted on Saturday, amid a heavy downpour that brought thunderstorms and a cold dip to the city. The rainstorm alert was in effect for around an hour.
Hail was also reported in Tai Po, according to the Observatory.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that the intensity and frequency of heatwaves has continued to increase since the 1950s due to human-caused climate change. The prevalence of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide – which trap heat in the atmosphere – raises the planet’s surface temperature, with hotter, longer heatwaves putting lives at risk. Hong Kong has already warmed by 1.7 degrees Celsius since the industrial revolution, research NGO Berkeley Earth says. Heat and humidity may reach lethal levels for protracted periods by the end of the century, according to a 2023 study, making it impossible to stay outdoors in some parts of the world.
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