【Hong Kong Weather】Observatory: T1 standby signal to be issued on Thursday morning; windy with showers and thunderstorms over the weekend

The observatory stated that the low-pressure area in the south-central South China Sea has intensified into a tropical depression, and it is expected to enter within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong later on Wednesday (July 1). The observatory will issue the No. 1 standby signal on Thursday morning (July 2).

The observatory predicts that the tropical cyclone will generally move toward Hainan Island and the Beibu Gulf area on Thursday and Friday (July 2-3), maintaining a distance of 400 kilometers or more from Hong Kong. The wind in Hong Kong will strengthen on Friday, the weather will gradually become unstable, there will be swells at sea, and heavy squally showers will gradually increase, with heavier rain in some areas. Affected by the terrain, some high ground may experience brief gale-force winds.

The observatory also said that as the tropical cyclone makes landfall on the western coast of South China during the weekend, Hong Kong's weather will gradually become dominated by active southerly airflow. The wind will remain quite strong, with occasional showers, squalls, and thunderstorms. Citizens are reminded to pay attention to the latest weather information. If engaging in outdoor activities, especially water sports, be sure to constantly monitor weather changes and pay attention to safety.

Wednesday: mostly cloudy with a few showers

The observatory said that the subtropical ridge is covering the northeastern South China Sea, while showers are affecting Guangdong. The low-pressure area near the Philippines is bringing unstable weather to that region. Hong Kong will be mostly cloudy on Wednesday with a few showers, with a minimum temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius in the morning. During the day, there will be periods of sunshine and hot weather, with a maximum temperature of about 33 degrees Celsius in the urban area. Winds will be moderate easterly to southeasterly.

UV index extremely high

The observatory predicts that today's maximum UV index will be 11, with an exposure level of 'extremely high'.

Hot weather in the next one to two days

The nine-day weather forecast shows that tomorrow (July 2) will have periods of sunshine with one or two showers, daytime hot, temperatures ranging from 28 to 33 degrees Celsius. Friday (July 3) will have brief periods of sunshine with a few showers, swells at sea, temperatures ranging from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.

The observatory outlooks that the subtropical ridge will bring hot weather to the southeastern coast of China today and tomorrow. The low-pressure area currently near the Philippines will move toward the central and southern seas today and tomorrow, gradually developing into a tropical cyclone, but its intensity remains uncertain.

Weekend winds quite strong

Affected by the low-pressure area and active southerly airflow, the system is expected to affect the area from Luzon to the Beibu Gulf from the latter part of this week to the weekend. Winds along the coast of South China will be quite strong, weather will gradually become unstable, with showers, squalls, and thunderstorms during the weekend, and swells at sea.