Hong Kong residents are bracing for notable weather changes next week as Super Typhoon Fung-wong intensifies and charts a course that will bring it within 800 kilometers of the city, significantly impacting local conditions through interaction with the prevailing northeast monsoon. Forecasters predict the powerful system will rake across the northern Philippines before weakening slightly and veering north toward Taiwan, closely skirting the region mid-week.
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reported that as of Saturday morning, Fung-wong had strengthened to a severe typhoon, centered approximately 360 kilometers east of Manila and tracking west-northwest at around 28 km/h toward the major landmass of Luzon. Over the coming days, the typhoon is expected to reach its peak intensity before crossing Luzon, after which it will enter the northeastern South China Sea (SCS).
Tracking the Typhoon’s Trajectory
Current tracking models indicate Fung-wong will begin to weaken to typhoon strength after traversing the Philippines. Crucially for Hong Kong, it is then projected to shift its path from west-northwest to a more northerly trajectory.
The closest approach to Hong Kong is anticipated late Tuesday, November 11th, when the typhoon is expected to pass approximately 450 kilometers to the southeast of the territory, maintaining typhoon intensity. Following this near pass, the system is forecast to head toward Taiwan by Wednesday, November 12th.
Meteorologists noted that current fine, hot, and dry conditions over the South China coast are the result of a persistent northeast monsoon. However, the combined effect of the approaching typhoon and this strong seasonal wind is set to create a complex and deteriorating weather scenario for Hong Kong starting early next week.
Advisory: Deteriorating Conditions Mid-Week
The interaction between the monsoon and Fung-wong is expected to dramatically increase winds and bring a noticeable dip in temperatures.
Key weather impacts from Tuesday through Thursday (November 11th–13th) include:
- Elevated Winds: Winds offshore and across high ground areas are forecast to reach gale-force six (Force 6) on the Beaufort scale on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Temperature Drop: After a warm weekend, temperatures are predicted to fall, potentially dipping to around 20 degrees Celsius by Thursday.
- Swells: Significant ocean swells are expected over the next few days and will persist through the mid-week period.
The HKO has indicated that it will assess whether to issue specific tropical cyclone warning signals or a strong monsoon signal, depending on the evolving interaction between the two dominant weather systems and resulting local wind changes.
Week Ahead Forecast
While Monday remains mostly fine, hot, and dry during the day (22–28°C), conditions will markedly change starting Tuesday. The nine-day forecast paints a picture of increasing cloud cover and wind:
- Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 11th-12th): Temperatures hold steady between 21 and 25°C. Winds increase sharply (Force 4 to 5, occasionally Force 6 offshore), bringing mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and persistent swells.
- Thursday (Nov. 13th): Cooler air settles in (20–24°C) with continued strong northeast winds, generally cloudy but with some brief sunny periods and dry conditions.
As Fung-wong distances itself by the end of the week, weather conditions are expected to gradually improve, becoming generally fine and dry again by the following weekend.
The Observatory issued a cautionary note regarding the system’s eventual path, stating that uncertainty remains surrounding the precise turning point and the rate of its future weakening as it enters the northeastern SCS. Residents are advised to monitor the latest updates closely and take necessary precautions against strong winds and severe coastal conditions.