【Standby Signal No. 1】Is Typhoon Signal No. 8 expected on Friday? The intense heat eases slightly, and more squally showers and sudden heavy rain move in.

The tropical cyclone in the South China Sea is gradually intensifying. The Hong Kong Observatory has indicated that it will issue the Standby Signal No. 1 on Thursday (July 2) morning. The public is most concerned about whether the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal will be hoisted on Friday (July 3).

Based on current forecasts, the chance of hoisting the No. 8 signal during the daytime on Friday is not particularly high, but it cannot be completely ruled out. The critical period may be from later on Friday to the early part of Saturday, when winds in Hong Kong will be stronger and rain will become more frequent, especially on offshore areas and high ground.

The Observatory stated that the tropical cyclone currently over the central South China Sea will gradually intensify in the next day or two and will generally move toward the vicinity of Hainan Island and the Gulf of Tonkin. Since the current forecast path does not directly head toward the Pearl River Estuary, this is the main reason why the chance of hoisting the No. 8 signal is not yet high. However, there are still uncertainties in the tropical cyclone's path and intensity. If the system moves further north than expected, intensifies more quickly, or the gale-force wind field gets closer to Hong Kong, the signal level may still be upgraded.

On Thursday (July 2), Hong Kong will still be very hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 33 degrees Celsius. There will be sunny periods and a few showers. Later, occasional force 5 winds will be felt offshore.

By Friday, the weather will notably deteriorate. The Observatory forecasts that Friday will be mainly cloudy with a few squally showers and thunderstorms. Showers will gradually increase, with heavier rain in some areas and swells at sea. Temperatures will drop to between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds will be force 5 from the east to southeast, occasionally force 6 offshore, and reaching force 7 on high ground later. In other words, the intense heat will ease slightly, but it won't turn cool—instead, it will shift from "hot and stuffy" to "rainy and windy."

On Saturday, the rain will be more pronounced. The Observatory predicts that Saturday will be cloudy with squally showers and thunderstorms, with occasionally heavy rain and swells at sea. Temperatures will drop further to between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius. Winds will be force 4 to 5 from the south to southeast, initially force 6 offshore and force 7 on high ground.

At this stage, it is more likely that the Standby Signal No. 1 will be issued first, followed by the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 depending on local wind conditions. As for the No. 8 signal, based on current data, the chance is not high, but there remains uncertainty from later on Friday to the early part of Saturday. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest weather information if they have plans for outlying islands, water activities, camping, or outdoor activities over the weekend.