Hong Kong weather

Yesterday, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a 'Very Hot Weather' warning with the temperature hitting 35°C in Tai Po and Sheung Shui. Then this morning, the Hong Kong Observatory raised an ‘Amber Rainstorm Warning' signal at 5.30 am. This brings me back 8 years. I arrived with my family in August and it was miserable. It just poured constantly and it was terribly hot compared to the winter we had just left behind. The children were about to start school and we had to organize school supplies, uniforms plus all things necessary to feed and clothe a family. It was so humid the tiled walls were dripping with condensation. Each time the sky cleared, we’d try to dash out to do some shopping only to have to rush back in before we even got to the front gate. We’d go out dry and come back in wet!

On the first day of school, we woke up to something new to us……. a ‘Black Rainstorm Warning’ which meant all schools were closed for the day. Well, it seems some black clouds in Hong Kong have a silver lining!

Whilst on the topic of Hong Kong’s weather, here’s a quick synopsis. Hong Kong’s climate is sub-tropical tending towards temperate for half of the year. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31°C whereas at night temperatures generally remain around 26° with high humidity. July to September are months most likely to be affected by tropical cyclones, some reaching typhoon strength (maximum winds of 118km per hour or more). The weather then improves as we head towards winter. During November and December, there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 10°C. March and April can also be very pleasant although there can be spells of high humidity with fog and drizzle disrupting air and ferry traffic.

Well, I’d say it’s not much of a day for going out (it is Black Friday, after all) so perhaps some baking would be in order.

For the meaning of weather and fire warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, refer to http://www.weather.gov.hk/wservice/wservice.htm ).