Hong Kong Observatory Issues Heavy Rain Alerts as Autumn Monsoon Brings Unstable Weather
HK01 · 19 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued multiple weather alerts over the past two days as an upper-level disturbance combined with a northeast monsoon brings heavy showers and thunderstorms to the territory. A yellow rainstorm warning was hoisted on Friday evening and lifted after two hours, before being reissued in the early hours of Saturday morning. Different districts including New Territories North, Tai Po, and Sai Kung have experienced particularly intense rainfall exceeding 70mm per hour, prompting flood warnings for affected areas.
Key Points
- The Observatory issued its first special weather tip at 4:15 PM on October 2, warning that heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with an upper-level disturbance would affect parts of Hong Kong within the next one to two hours
- A yellow rainstorm warning was issued at 5:40 PM on October 2 and cancelled at 7:30 PM the same evening, lasting approximately two hours
- Another yellow rainstorm warning was reissued at 4:00 AM on October 3, with heavy rain expected to continue for the next two to three hours
- The New Territories North area, particularly Sheung Shui, recorded over 70mm of rainfall in one hour, triggering a special flooding report for the region
- Tai Po and Sai Kung districts experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm per hour, with the Observatory warning of possible severe flooding in these areas
- The northeast monsoon is expected to strengthen on Sunday night, shifting winds to the north and reducing rainfall, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 24 degrees Celsius over the following two to three mornings
- From Tuesday through Thursday next week, Hong Kong will see predominantly sunny and dry conditions, with Tuesday and Wednesday recording minimum temperatures of 24 degrees and Thursday marking the solar term "Cold Dew" with a minimum of 25 degrees
Why It Matters
This weather pattern marks the transition from lingering summer conditions to autumn, as the northeast monsoon brings cooler mornings and drier weather to Hong Kong . Residents in affected areas should take precautions against flooding, particularly in low-lying regions of New Territories North, Tai Po, and Sai Kung where rainfall intensity has exceeded safe thresholds . The forecast of clearer, cooler weather next week will bring relief from the current unstable atmospheric conditions, though the "Cold Dew" solar term on Thursday signals continued seasonal transition.
This weather pattern marks the transition from lingering summer conditions to autumn, as the northeast monsoon brings cooler mornings and drier weather to Hong Kong . Residents in affected areas should take precautions against flooding, particularly in low-lying regions of New Territories North, Tai Po, and Sai Kung where rainfall intensity has exceeded safe thresholds . The forecast of clearer, cooler weather next week will bring relief from the current unstable atmospheric conditions, though the "Cold Dew" solar term on Thursday signals continued seasonal transition.