Hong Kong residents should prepare for a significant mid-November shift in weather as the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts a powerful northeast monsoon to sweep the South China coast, bringing a dramatic cool-down and marking the coldest spell of the autumn season yet. Following a brief weekend rebound in temperatures, the mercury is set to plunge by more than eight degrees within a single night early next week, with specific New Territories locations expected to near the official cold weather threshold. This weather event, occurring in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong moving away from the region, mandates preparation for dramatically lower temperatures and persistent midweek chill.
Weekend Warmth Precedes Sharp Plunge
Before the cold air mass arrives, the region will experience warm, dry conditions over the upcoming weekend. The urban area is projected to enjoy highs between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius on Saturday, November 15, escalating slightly to 22 to 27 degrees on Sunday, November 16. Winds will remain light to moderate, originating from the east to northeast, with notably comfortable relative humidity levels ranging from 50 to 75 percent.
The notable change is scheduled to commence on Monday, November 17, as the northeast monsoon advances. Winds will intensify significantly, reaching Force 4 to 5, occasionally spiking to Force 6 offshore. Monday’s daytime high is expected to stabilize around 25 degrees, but nighttime temperatures will rapidly fall, settling near 20 degrees by the evening.
Overnight Chill Brings Near-Freezing Temperatures
The most drastic temperature slide is anticipated overnight into Tuesday, November 18. Urban readings are forecast to drop sharply to around 17 degrees. This near eight-degree overnight slump will be even more pronounced across the New Territories, where areas like Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin, Tai Po, and Shek Kong may see lows around 15 degrees.
The northern New Territories will experience the most severe conditions. Forecasting models indicate that Ta Kwu Ling will drop to approximately 14 degrees on Tuesday morning.
The chill is set to peak midweek. By Wednesday, November 19, northerly to northeast winds maintaining Force 4 to 5 (gusting to Force 6 offshore) will dominate the weather pattern. The urban minimum temperature will hover around 17 degrees.
Crucially, the Observatory’s district forecast shows Ta Kwu Ling plummeting to 13 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, November 19, with Sheung Shui barely warmer at 15 degrees. These figures approach the Observatory’s official ‘cold weather warning’ benchmark, underscoring the severity of the expected cold.
Conditions are expected to remain similarly cool on Thursday, November 20, with urban lows sustaining near 17 degrees and daytime highs capping at 20 to 21 degrees, accompanied by low relative humidity around 55 percent. The system is also expected to bring mainly cloudy conditions and occasional light showers, interspersed with brief moments of clarity.
Preparing for the Season’s Coldest Spell
This anticipated cold surge will almost certainly establish new seasonal low-temperature records. The current autumn minimum recorded at the Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters stands at 18.2 degrees, noted on October 22.
Given the significant drop, residents are advised to take immediate precautions:
- Layer Clothing: Opt for multiple thin layers rather than one heavy layer to better regulate body temperature.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure the elderly, sick, and young children are protected from the cold snap, particularly in poorly insulated housing.
- Monitor Forecasts: Stay updated on real-time district forecasts from the Hong Kong Observatory, especially those living in the New Territories where temperatures will be several degrees lower than the city center.
While the prior Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong did not directly impact the region, the remnants of strong winds, occasionally reaching gale force on high ground, are transitioning directly into this vigorous monsoon system, ushering in a sustained period of cold weather for Hong Kong.