[Hong Kong Weather] Observatory: Typhoon Signal No. 1 to be issued on Thursday morning; windy with showers and thunderstorms over the weekend

The Observatory stated that the低压 area in the south-central South China Sea has strengthened into a tropical depression and is expected to enter within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong later on Wednesday (July 1). The Observatory will issue the Standby Signal No. 1 on Thursday morning (July 2).

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

The Observatory added that as the tropical cyclone makes landfall along the western coast of South China over the weekend, Hong Kong's weather will gradually become dominated by an active southerly airflow, with still fairly strong winds and occasional showers and squally thunderstorms. It reminds the public to pay attention to the latest weather information, and if engaging in outdoor activities, especially water sports, to constantly monitor weather changes and stay safe.

Wednesday mostly cloudy with a few showers

The Observatory said that a subtropical ridge is covering the northeastern South China Sea, while showers are affecting Guangdong. The低压 area near the Philippines is bringing unstable weather to that region. Hong Kong on Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a few showers. The morning minimum temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius, and during the day there will be some sunny intervals and it will be scorching hot, with the urban area maximum temperature around 33 degrees. Light to moderate east to southeast winds will blow.

UV index extremely high

The Observatory forecasts that today's maximum UV index will be 11, with the exposure level classified as "extremely high."

Scorching hot in the next couple of days

The nine-day weather forecast shows that tomorrow (July 2) will have some sunny periods, one or two showers, and will be scorching hot during the day, with temperatures ranging between 28 and 33 degrees. Friday (July 3) will have brief sunny periods, a few showers, and sea swells, with temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees.

The Observatory outlook indicates that the subtropical ridge will bring scorching hot weather to the southeastern coast of China today and tomorrow. The低压 area currently near the Philippines will move toward the central and southern sea areas today and tomorrow and gradually develop into a tropical cyclone, but its intensity remains uncertain.

Fairly strong winds over the weekend

Affected by the低压 area and the active southerly airflow, the system is expected to affect the Luzon to Beibu Gulf area from the latter part of this week to the weekend. The coast of South China will have fairly strong winds, weather will become increasingly unstable, and there will be showers, squally thunderstorms, and sea swells over the weekend.