Hong Kong, China – The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a thunderstorm warning for the fifth consecutive day, as heavy rain is expected to deluge the city in the afternoon. The Observatory warned that a thunderstorm west of the Pearl River Estuary is moving east and is expected to affect the city with strong winds and heavy showers in one to two hours.
The Observatory also warned that intense gusts reaching 70 kilometres per hour (44mph) or above may affect Hong Kong and advised members of the public to seek safe shelter as soon as possible. They also cautioned the public to avoid swimming in open water or taking part in other outdoor watersports.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue throughout the week, with heavy showers and squally thunderstorms forecasted to affect the coast of Guangdong on Tuesday under the influence of a trough of low pressure. Temperatures are expected to range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
The trough of low pressure is expected to depart slowly on Wednesday, but the unsettled weather is likely to persist due to another trough of low pressure over the coast of southern China in the latter part of the week. The temperature will range from 24 to 29 degrees for the rest of the week.
Strong winds and heavy rains on Sunday brought down trees and disrupted transport across Hong Kong, including the tram service to The Peak. A waterspout was also spotted off Clear Water Bay. The Peak Tram, affected by a fallen tree, was still out of service on Monday, but the operators said that work was underway to restart the service as soon as possible.
The Observatory on Sunday issued an almost four-hour amber rainstorm warning at 10am – after the same alert was issued the night before – warning of “violent” gusts of wind and flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas.
Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid any outdoor activities until the storm passes. The Observatory will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
