Hong Kong Records Lowest Autumn Temperature at 17.5°C Amid Brief Cold Snap
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 17.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning (November 10), marking the lowest reading since the onset of this autumn season. The cool spell resulted from a strong northeast monsoon sweeping across the Guangdong coast, though meteorologists indicate the cooling effect will prove short-lived, lasting only two to three days. Acting Senior Scientific Officer Lin Xuexian (林學賢) explained on an RTHK radio programme that the brief nature of this cold snap is characteristic of late autumn, as the northeast monsoon affecting southern China remains relatively weak before the official winter months arrive. As the week progresses, temperatures are forecast to climb steadily, potentially reaching 28 to 29 degrees Celsius early next week.
Key Points
- Hong Kong Observatory recorded 17.5°C at 8:30am on Tuesday, the lowest temperature this autumn
- New Territories temperatures were 1-2 degrees lower than urban areas on Tuesday morning
- A cold front passed through Guangdong coast on Monday night (November 9), bringing the northeast monsoon
- Temperatures will rebound to around 18°C tomorrow morning and rise to approximately 25°C during the day
- High-altitude atmospheric disturbance expected to bring increased cloud cover and scattered showers this weekend
- This October was the warmest on record since 1884 in Hong Kong
- A super-strong El Niño event has formed, expected to be among the strongest since 1950
- Hong Kong's winter temperatures forecast to be normal to above normal, with greater temperature swings between days
Why It Matters
The arrival of this autumn's coldest temperature underscores the volatile weather patterns Hong Kong can expect in the coming months. With a super-strong El Niño phenomenon developing alongside ongoing climate warming, residents should prepare for a winter characterised by significant temperature fluctuations and above-normal rainfall, necessitating adaptive measures for both daily commutes and public health planning .
The arrival of this autumn's coldest temperature underscores the volatile weather patterns Hong Kong can expect in the coming months. With a super-strong El Niño phenomenon developing alongside ongoing climate warming, residents should prepare for a winter characterised by significant temperature fluctuations and above-normal rainfall, necessitating adaptive measures for both daily commutes and public health planning .