Hong Kong residents awoke Thursday to noticeably cooler conditions as a strong northeast monsoon surged across Southern China, bringing a drop in temperature and warning of elevated coastal water levels due to seasonal astronomical high tides. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reported early morning temperatures in urban areas dipping to approximately 19°C—a decrease of around two degrees from Wednesday—while issuing a coastal advisory regarding potential minor low-lying area flooding later tonight. Forecasters anticipate the weather system, characterized by a persistent cloud band, will yield mostly cloudy conditions and slight initial showers, transitioning shortly to sunny intervals and markedly drier air throughout the afternoon as the region settles into a period of fine weather lasting into the following week.
Immediate Weather Outlook and Coastal Alert
The meteorological shift is driven by the intensifying northeast monsoon, which is channeling cooler air along the coastal areas of Guangdong. While initial humidity levels are high, the dry air mass is predicted to reduce moisture content to nearly 50%, with daytime highs expected to reach 22°C. Winds are projected to be moderate to fresh, blowing from the east to northeast, and may be occasionally strong offshore and over elevated terrain, particularly during the early hours.
Crucially, the HKO issued a special advisory highlighting the concurrence of seasonal astronomical high tides and the influence of the monsoon. This combination could momentarily elevate coastal water levels slightly above normal during the evening, increasing the possibility of minor flooding impacting vulnerable low-lying districts across the territory. Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution and monitor local conditions.
Extended Forecast Signals Dry, Stable Conditions
Looking ahead, experts predict a significant clearance trend. The extensive cloud band currently visible over Guangdong is expected to dissipate gradually today. Under the sustained influence of the monsoon, Southern China, including Hong Kong, is poised to enjoy generally fine and dry weather starting late this week and extending through the beginning of next week. This pattern is often accompanied by a pronounced diurnal temperature range, meaning large variations between morning lows and afternoon highs, especially in inland areas.
The extended nine-day forecast paints a consistent picture of stability:
- Friday to Monday: Largely sunny and dry. Friday’s temperatures are forecast between 19°C and 23°C. Saturday morning will feel notably cool, starting around 18°C before reaching 23°C in the afternoon. Sunday and Monday will see minimums near 19°C, escalating to highs of 24°C and 25°C, respectively.
- Mid-to-Late Next Week: Conditions remain mostly stable. Tuesday brings isolated light evening showers, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 23°C. Wednesday through Friday will be mostly cloudy with scattered light showers, maintaining mild lows of 20°C–21°C and highs near 23°C–24°C.
Monitoring Distant Tropical Activity
Separately, the HKO is tracking a developing weather system far to the east. A low-pressure area situated east of the Philippines has intensified into a tropical depression. As of the latest update, the system was centered approximately 1,010 kilometers east-southeast of Manila, moving west-southwest at about 22 kilometers per hour toward the central and southern Philippines. Forecasters have confirmed that this distant tropical activity poses no immediate or direct threat to Hong Kong.
Residents should take advantage of the anticipated dry, pleasant weather period while heeding the minor coastal flooding warning for Thursday evening. Maintaining awareness of local tide and wind conditions will be key to managing the weather transition.