[Standby Signal No. 1] No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal on Friday? Heat eases somewhat, squalls and heavy rain increase.

A tropical cyclone over the South China Sea is gradually intensifying. The Hong Kong Observatory has indicated that it will issue the Standby Signal No. 1 on Thursday morning (July 2). The public's main concern is whether the No. 8 Storm Signal will be hoisted on Friday (July 3).

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

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 Beibu Gulf. Since the current forecast path does not show it heading directly toward the Pearl River Estuary, this is the main reason why the chance of the No. 8 Signal is not particularly high at this stage. However, the track and intensity of the tropical cyclone remain variable; if the system shifts farther north than expected, intensifies more rapidly, or if its gale-force wind zone gets closer to Hong Kong, the signal level may still be raised.

Thursday daytime in Hong Kong will remain very hot, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 33 degrees Celsius. There will be sunny periods and a few showers. Later, occasional force 5 winds will affect offshore areas.

By Friday, the weather will deteriorate significantly. 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 there will be swells at sea. Temperatures will drop to between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds will be easterly to southeasterly, force 5, occasionally force 6 offshore, reaching force 7 over high ground later. In other words, the intense heat will ease somewhat, but it won't become cool; instead, it will change from "scorching and stuffy" to "rainy and windy."

Saturday will see even more significant rainfall. The Observatory predicts that Saturday will be cloudy with squally showers and thunderstorms, with occasionally heavy rain and swells at sea. Temperatures will fall further to between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius. Winds will be southerly to southeasterly, force 4 to 5, initially force 6 offshore and force 7 over 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 Storm Signal, based on current data, the chance is not high, but there remains uncertainty from late Friday to early Saturday. Members of the public planning outlying island activities, water sports, camping, or outdoor trips over the weekend should check the latest weather information as early as possible.