Hong Kong awoke to the chilliest morning of the season on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as a powerful northeast monsoon swept across the region, causing temperatures to plummet and ushering in a noticeable shift toward cooler, drier autumnal weather. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) recorded a low of 13.2 degrees Celsius at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters around 6 a.m., while residents in the New Territories experienced even lower readings, often dipping one to two degrees below the urban centre. A blanket of widespread cloud cover across southern China contributed to the stark, overcast start to the day.
The cold blast marks a significant weather event for the city, driven by the persistent northeast airflow common this time of year. Throughout Wednesday, the weather service predicted a generally cloudy environment, with isolated patches of light rain lingering through the morning. While temperatures were forecast to peak near 17°C, the air remained markedly dry. Winds were vigorous, with fresh northerlies strengthening substantially offshore and across elevated terrain before gradually diminishing later in the day. Travel advisories were in place for coastal areas of Guangdong, where the sustained northeast flow kept conditions particularly windy.
Anticipating a Gradual Warming Trend
The immediate forecast suggests conditions will remain cool and primarily overcast, particularly during Thursday’s early hours. However, meteorologists anticipate a broader shift in the regional weather pattern as the week progresses. Following the dense cloud cover’s dissipation and a slight relaxation of the monsoon’s intensity, the weather across southern China, including Hong Kong, is expected to become noticeably clearer and sunnier.
This improvement is tied to a gradual increase in daytime temperatures. Nevertheless, residents should brace for continuous cool mornings. The persistent dry northeasterly winds will also contribute to a widening diurnal temperature range—the difference between the daytime high and nighttime low—a characteristic common under a strong dry monsoon.
Staying Comfortable in the Transitional Season
The transition offers a period of refreshingly dry air, but it necessitates preparedness for the fluctuating temperatures. Into the start of the following week, generally fine, very dry conditions are expected to prevail across the territory.
Actionable Weather Tips for Residents:
- Layer Up: Given the wide gap between morning lows and afternoon highs, dressing in layers is essential for comfort, particularly for those commuting early or heading to high-altitude areas.
- Hydration and Moisturisation: The very dry conditions increase the risk of dry skin and chapped lips. Maintain adequate hydration and use moisturisers.
- Monitor Wind Advisories: Those planning outdoor activities or marine travel should pay close attention to HKO’s strong wind advisories, especially regarding conditions offshore and in mountainous zones.
As Hong Kong enters this drier, cooler spell, vigilance regarding rapidly changing microclimates—especially between the urban core and the New Territories—is key to managing the season successfully. The current conditions underscore the dynamism of late autumn weather influenced by the powerful Siberian High pressure system pushing south.