https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/520093/feed en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Jess Ma Jess Ma The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning on Sunday evening, with the signal remaining in place for more than two hours. The weather forecaster issued the alert – the lowest level in a three-tier warning system – at 8.20pm and cancelled it at 10.30pm. “A few squally thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong,” a spokesman for the Observatory said in the evening. Showers would be heavy at times. The forecaster also warned that intense gusts reaching 70km/h (43mph) could... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369718/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369718/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:05:38 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok At least three hikers fell ill on countryside trails as temperatures in parts of Hong Kong climbed to a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) on Sunday. A 25-year-old visitor was suspected of suffering from heatstroke while he hiked with friends on the popular High Island Reservoir East Dam-Po Pin Chau hiking route in Sai Kung at about noon. A government helicopter airlifted him to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai for treatment. The route is one of Hong Kong’s best-known hiking trails,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368956/3-hikers-fall-ill-hong-kong-trails-temperatures-top-33-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368956/3-hikers-fall-ill-hong-kong-trails-temperatures-top-33-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:53:47 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities are open to classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease, the city’s labour chief has said, acknowledging that the recently revamped heat warning system would have triggered stronger alerts on two exceptionally hot days last month. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said retrospective modelling showed the revised system would have issued a black warning on August 8 and a red alert on August 9, when the Observatory recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius (98.4 Fahrenheit)... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366525/hong-kong-open-classifying-heatstroke-occupational-disease-labour-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366525/hong-kong-open-classifying-heatstroke-occupational-disease-labour-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 06:58:23 +0000 Dennis Lee Dennis Lee The Labour Department recently upgraded its Heat Stress at Work Warning system, making it easier for higher-tier alerts to be sent out, so that employers and workers, especially those who have to work outdoors, can react quickly during very hot weather. Unfortunately, the most we seem to be able to do is issue warnings and recommend passive mitigation measures such as relaxing the work schedule, resting in the shade and staying hydrated. We are sitting ducks as temperatures peak year after... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365989/era-extreme-summers-its-time-look-beyond-air-conditioning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3365989/era-extreme-summers-its-time-look-beyond-air-conditioning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 01:30:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The record temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius logged by the Hong Kong Observatory last month is the strongest evidence yet that extreme heat is not just a distant or occasional inconvenience. The rising temperature underlines a growing challenge that many authorities around the world are still grappling with. The city must respond not merely with improved mechanisms for alerts when the mercury soars but with a complete climate-resilience strategy that protects workers, older people, low-income... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 23:15:05 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong labour authorities have unveiled changes to the system that sends out warnings to workers about overexertion during very hot weather, reducing the threshold so higher-tier alerts can be issued more easily following intense criticism of the mechanism. The Labour Department said on Thursday that two new conditions would be introduced to the Heat Stress at Work Warning system starting on Friday. The system has three warning levels – amber, red and black – which alert employers and staff... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3365453/hong-kong-lowers-heat-stress-warning-system-thresholds-after-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3365453/hong-kong-lowers-heat-stress-warning-system-thresholds-after-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:52:59 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s weather forecaster cancelled its rainstorm warnings on Thursday, following spells of heavy rain that led to the suspension of morning and whole-day schools, with afternoon classes allowed to proceed. The Observatory issued the red signal – the middle level in a three-tier system – at 5.05am, and soon after also sent out a special landslip advisory for Po Toi Island due to heavy rain. The forecaster downgraded the red alert to amber at 9.20am and then cancelled that one at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365380/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-morning-and-whole-day-classes-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365380/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-morning-and-whole-day-classes-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:05:50 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The likelihood that Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue a typhoon signal in the next two days is “relatively low”, although multiple tropical cyclones are set to bring unsettled weather to the city later this week. The Observatory said at noon on Monday that Tropical Storm Narra was expected to skirt the coast of the Leizhou Peninsula in western Guangdong province in the coming days while “maintaining some distance from Hong Kong”. “Unless Narra further edges closer to the vicinity of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365034/typhoon-signal-hong-kong-unlikely-next-2-days-expect-unsettled-weather?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3365034/typhoon-signal-hong-kong-unlikely-next-2-days-expect-unsettled-weather?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:25:56 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong The Hong Kong Observatory may issue a typhoon signal on Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm edges closer to the region. “Tropical Cyclone Narra is expected to linger over the vicinity of Beibu Wan today and tomorrow, and then turn northeastwards gradually later on Monday to Tuesday, edging closer to the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula,” the forecaster said on Sunday. Leizhou Peninsula sits at the far southwestern tip of Guangdong province, some 400km (248.5 miles) west-southwest of Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364956/hong-kong-may-issue-typhoon-signal-tuesday-or-wednesday-narra-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364956/hong-kong-may-issue-typhoon-signal-tuesday-or-wednesday-narra-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:09:59 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Despite record-breaking temperatures in Hong Kong, the Labour Department’s Heat Stress at Work Warning system remained at the lowest level of amber on August 9. The reason for this absurdity is the use of the Hong Kong Heat Index (HKHI) in determining the threshold for issuing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364395/hong-kong-mustnt-use-wrong-index-gauge-outdoor-heat-stress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3364395/hong-kong-mustnt-use-wrong-index-gauge-outdoor-heat-stress?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:30:06 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Temperatures have dropped in Hong Kong after a streak of nine very hot days, with the city’s weather forecaster issuing the amber rainstorm warning on Friday morning. The Observatory recorded temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees Celsius (73 and 84 Fahrenheit) in various districts across the city as of 8.45am, significantly lower than the 33 degrees or higher over the past nine days. The forecaster issued the amber rainstorm warning at 8.40am, the lowest tier in the city’s rainstorm alert... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363967/relief-after-9-blistering-days-hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363967/relief-after-9-blistering-days-hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:22:26 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong residents have borne the brunt of extreme weather this summer, with July rainfall exceeding the monthly norm by 23 per cent, followed by hot spells in August linked to Tropical Cyclone Dolphin’s influence. As of Thursday, the maximum temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) or above for nine consecutive days, marking the longest streak of very hot days for the month of August. A green group warned in July that scorching days and hot... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:39:41 +0000 Leopold Chen,Edith Lin Leopold Chen,Edith Lin Power supply and air-conditioning disruptions during Hong Kong’s ongoing heatwave have affected estate residents, office workers and even a funeral parlour, as an expert warned that the higher energy demand caused by the weather could trigger outages in older districts. The city has grappled with an intense heatwave in recent days, with scorching temperatures driven by a southwesterly airstream. The Hong Kong Observatory said on Tuesday the maximum temperature recorded at its headquarters in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363653/power-ac-outages-hit-estate-office-building-and-funeral-home-amid-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363653/power-ac-outages-hit-estate-office-building-and-funeral-home-amid-heatwave?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:50:36 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong authorities are considering lowering the threshold for activating higher-tier heat-stress warnings during exceptionally hot weather, following public criticism that the alert was not upgraded even as the city sweltered through its hottest day on record. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said on Tuesday that the warning system was currently more responsive to “muggy weather” than to conditions involving purely high temperatures and strong solar radiation, but the government... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363615/hong-kong-considers-lowering-heat-stress-warning-thresholds-amid-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363615/hong-kong-considers-lowering-heat-stress-warning-thresholds-amid-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:14:21 +0000 Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Hong Kong labour authorities have pledged to review the city’s heat stress warning system, a day after the lowest-level alert for outdoor workers was issued despite record-breaking temperatures, prompting questions about the index’s effectiveness The pledge on Monday followed calls from experts for the government to adopt an international measurement that gives greater weight to direct sunlight, and to increase the number of heat stress monitoring stations so that all districts are covered and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:04:36 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng More frequent showers expected later this week should bring relief from Hong Kong’s extreme heat, the local forecaster has said, although scorching conditions will persist in the coming days, with temperatures in some areas forecast to reach at least 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). The Observatory said on Monday that outer subsiding airflow associated with Tropical Storm Dolphin continued to bring extremely hot weather to Guangdong province and Hong Kong. The heatwave is expected to continue... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363483/hong-kong-heatwave-persist-showers-bring-relief-later-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363483/hong-kong-heatwave-persist-showers-bring-relief-later-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:50:44 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Leopold Chen Ng Kang-chung,Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities are under pressure to review the warning system for heat stress at work after the lowest-level alert remained in force on Sunday, despite the city sweltering through its hottest day on record. Labour unionists, joined by a leading meteorologist, also proposed relaxing the law to recognise heatstroke as a work-related injury, thus entitling workers to compensation. A scorching 36.9 degrees Celsius (98.4 Fahrenheit) was recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363461/calls-system-review-after-lowest-alert-force-during-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363461/calls-system-review-after-lowest-alert-force-during-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:42:54 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A hiker died on a country trail in Tai Po on Sunday afternoon as Hong Kong endured its hottest temperatures since records began 142 years ago. Police said they received a report at 2.17pm that a man, 64, had been discovered unconscious on the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail by other hikers. Firefighters and rescue teams assembled at the reservoir dam before heading up the mountain, with the Government Flying Service also dispatched. The Filipino man, a Hong Kong identity card holder, was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363446/hiker-collapses-dies-hong-kong-trail-city-swelters-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363446/hiker-collapses-dies-hong-kong-trail-city-swelters-record-breaking-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:49:16 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Families sought refuge in snow parks and shopping centres on Sunday as Hong Kong sweltered through its hottest day in 142 years, while many domestic helpers said they had no choice but to stay outside in the blistering heat. The city recorded the highest temperature since records began in 1884 in the afternoon under the influence of Severe Typhoon Dolphin. The Hong Kong Observatory said subsiding air on the outer edge of Dolphin brought generally fine and extremely hot weather to Guangdong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 05:21:38 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong can expect sunnier but very hot weather later this week, the city’s forecaster has said, as residents woke to an amber rainstorm warning for the second consecutive morning. The Hong Kong Observatory on Monday issued the amber rainstorm warning signal at 6.40am, following a similar alert on Sunday morning that remained in place for more than six hours. The warning was cancelled at 8.45am. The forecaster said heavy showers had brought more than 30mm (1.2 inches) of rainfall to many... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362736/hong-kong-face-brighter-hotter-weather-week-after-days-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362736/hong-kong-face-brighter-hotter-weather-week-after-days-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:31:32 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hongkongers woke up to more rain and thunderstorms in the city on Sunday, with an amber rainstorm warning in force between 6am and 1pm. After a week of rain, the Hong Kong Observatory warned that there would be more showers and squally thunderstorms on Sunday morning. More than 30mm of rain was recorded in most parts of the city, meeting the threshold of an amber signal, the lowest level in the three-tier rainstorm warning system, the forecaster said. The Observatory cancelled the amber... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3362681/amber-warning-hong-kong-amid-thunderstorms-week-rain-persists-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3362681/amber-warning-hong-kong-amid-thunderstorms-week-rain-persists-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2026 03:37:19 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hongkongers should brace for more bad weather over the next few days. The Hong Kong Observatory warned on Saturday that showers would be heavy at times with squally thunderstorms over the coast of southern China in the next couple of days under the influence of a broad trough of low pressure and an active southerly airstream. Meanwhile, authorities said they received six landslide reports between Friday and Saturday evening, as well as a report of damage to the facing of a retaining wall. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362655/hong-kong-set-heavy-showers-squally-thunderstorms-over-next-few-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362655/hong-kong-set-heavy-showers-squally-thunderstorms-over-next-few-days?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:06:49 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin A super typhoon named after Hong Kong’s Chinese white dolphins is set to bring very hot weather to the city in the latter part of next week, according to the Observatory. Kong Yu-chau, a senior scientific officer with the forecaster, said on Friday that Super Typhoon Dolphin, which is currently over the western North Pacific, was expected to move towards the waters south of Japan in the next few days. But he added that its subsequent trajectory remained uncertain. “We expect it will have a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362511/super-typhoon-dolphin-set-bring-very-hot-weather-hong-kong-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362511/super-typhoon-dolphin-set-bring-very-hot-weather-hong-kong-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:18:24 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong cancelled Friday’s second amber rainstorm warning in the afternoon, even as the local forecaster said the wet weather was expected to last until Monday. The Observatory issued the first amber alert of the day at 10.20am, before upgrading it to red at 11.05am. The signal was then downgraded back to amber at 2.10pm and cancelled nearly an hour later. “Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad trough of low pressure are affecting the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362469/amber-warning-issued-friday-heavy-rain-and-thunder-expected-over-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362469/amber-warning-issued-friday-heavy-rain-and-thunder-expected-over-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:51:46 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen For Chinese airports jostling to open more intercontinental routes, the sight of widebody aircraft operated by global airlines can be a potent status symbol. But when an Emirates Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport last week – a novelty for the city’s planespotters, mostly accustomed to seeing smaller narrowbody jets – everything that could go wrong, did. The plane’s 373 passengers endured what ultimately became a 10-hour... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3362103/all-went-wrong-a380-flight-china-becomes-10-hour-ordeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3362103/all-went-wrong-a380-flight-china-becomes-10-hour-ordeal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:00:10 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Heavy rain has led to flooding in some parts of Hong Kong’s New Territories, with some drivers struggling to navigate waterlogged roads in Tai Po even as the Observatory cancelled the amber rainstorm warning on Tuesday morning. The amber alert, which went out at 7.15am, is issued when more than 30mm of rain has fallen in an hour or is likely to fall generally over Hong Kong within that period and is expected to continue. The forecaster also warned of flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362054/amber-rainstorm-warning-issued-hong-kong-tuesday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362054/amber-rainstorm-warning-issued-hong-kong-tuesday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:55:10 +0000 Kristen Cheung Kristen Cheung Hong Kong should prepare for stronger storms and a warmer, wetter winter this year as the current El Nino phenomenon is likely to intensify into a super event, a local green group and a leading meteorologist have said. Typhoons heading for Hong Kong this year were set to grow more powerful, as El Nino raised sea temperatures and provided storms with more moisture and energy, Friends of the Earth (HK) said on Monday. The forecast, which is based on international and local data, came after the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362018/hong-kong-set-stronger-storms-and-wetter-winter-year-el-nino-intensifies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362018/hong-kong-set-stronger-storms-and-wetter-winter-year-el-nino-intensifies?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:40:21 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The Hong Kong Observatory cancelled the amber rainstorm warning on Monday morning, hours after the Education Bureau announced classes at all morning and full-day schools were suspended. The weather forecaster cancelled the signal at 9.15am after earlier downgrading the warning from red to amber at 7.47am. It urged residents to stay alert to potential river flooding. The forecaster said that, under the influence of an active southwesterly airstream, heavy showers and squally thunderstorms were... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3361925/rainstorm-signal-lowered-red-amber-while-morning-and-full-day-schools-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3361925/rainstorm-signal-lowered-red-amber-while-morning-and-full-day-schools-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:41:59 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Vivian Au,Emily Hung Kristen Cheung,Vivian Au,Emily Hung Hong Kong cancelled all storm warnings at 7.10pm on Sunday as Typhoon Noul moved away from the city, with airport operations resuming after roughly 360 flights were grounded. The weather will remain unsettled on Monday, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. “Under the influence of an active southwesterly airstream to the south of Noul, there will be showers and squally thunderstorms over Hong Kong tonight and at first tomorrow. Showers will be heavy at times,” the forecaster said on Sunday... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361858/typhoon-noul-t8-signal-remain-force-until-least-noon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361858/typhoon-noul-t8-signal-remain-force-until-least-noon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2026 23:48:26 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s rainfall so far this month has already surpassed typical levels for July by 23 per cent, a review of Observatory data shows, with a meteorologist warning the city will experience more extreme downpours due to global warming. The Observatory also said on Tuesday that Hong Kong would be hit by rainstorms again over the weekend following weeks of heavy rain as a tropical cyclone neared the city. A South China Morning Post reporter reviewed the forecaster’s data and found the city... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361371/hong-kong-already-surpasses-july-rainfall-just-20-days-why?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361371/hong-kong-already-surpasses-july-rainfall-just-20-days-why?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that downpours are approaching the city and has said periods of heavy rain are expected to become more frequent throughout the day. A spokesman said at 8.20am on Tuesday that an area of thundery showers over western Guangdong was gradually moving eastwards. “Showers are expected to be heavier in some areas, with squally thunderstorms affecting parts of the territory in the next couple of hours,” he said. Hong Kong has experienced periods of heavy rain over... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361273/squally-thunderstorms-set-hit-parts-hong-kong-within-hours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361273/squally-thunderstorms-set-hit-parts-hong-kong-within-hours?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2026 01:17:21 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Hong Kong’s forecaster has cancelled its amber rainstorm warning but warned that unsettled weather will continue to affect the city over the next day. The Hong Kong Observatory cancelled the warning at 2.10pm. It had been reissued at 9.30am, nearly 1½ hours after the red signal was raised at 8.05am Authorities earlier urged schools to implement contingency measures to ensure students’ safety while the red rainstorm warning was in force. “Schools which are in session should continue until the end... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361135/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-amid-heavy-showers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3361135/hong-kong-issues-red-rainstorm-warning-amid-heavy-showers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:11:57 +0000 Kate Chan Kate Chan The weather in Hong Kong is expected to remain unsettled over the next few days, with showers and thunderstorms caused by a broad trough of low pressure, according to the Observatory. The forecaster said on Friday that the weekend would be mainly cloudy with a few showers and squally thunderstorms, with sunny intervals expected in the afternoon. It added that a few showers were expected on Sunday and more on Monday, before easing off gradually in the following couple of days. “Under the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360865/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-tells-public-brace-possible-floods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360865/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-tells-public-brace-possible-floods?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:38:02 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Edith Lin,Benjamin Fuller Jeffie Lam,Edith Lin,Benjamin Fuller Hong Kong suspended morning classes on Thursday after the city’s weather forecaster issued a red rainstorm warning, which was lowered to amber in less than two hours. The Observatory issued the red warning at 7.40am. It was replaced by the amber signal at 9.25am, before being cancelled less than an hour later. The Drainage Services Department said it had activated its emergency control centre after the red rainstorm signal was issued and had dispatched 90 response teams to inspect about 240... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360734/hong-kong-suspends-classes-red-rainstorm-warning-issued?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360734/hong-kong-suspends-classes-red-rainstorm-warning-issued?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:16:42 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning at 10.05am on Wednesday and urged residents to take precautions such as staying away from watercourses. The forecaster warned that widespread heavy rain could affect Hong Kong in a couple of hours and that intense gusts could continue to affect the city. It told residents to stay vigilant during the adverse weather. “This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30mm in an hour, and is... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360595/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-urges-public-take-precautions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360595/hong-kong-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-urges-public-take-precautions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:22:45 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s weather forecaster may issue a No 1 typhoon signal between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, warning that the city should brace for heavy rainstorms. The Observatory said on Monday that an area of low pressure over the northern part of the South China Sea would edge closer to the coast of Guangdong province, with the associated cloud bands expected to take time to consolidate. “Whether it will develop into a tropical depression will only become more certain when it is relatively... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360332/hong-kong-observatory-may-issue-t1-signal-between-monday-night-tuesday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360332/hong-kong-observatory-may-issue-t1-signal-between-monday-night-tuesday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:28:12 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Videos of flash-flooded rivers and overflowing pavements went viral on social media on Wednesday as residents in parts of Hong Kong grappled with more than 70mm of rainfall in 24 hours. The intensity of the floods prompted some users online to claim a picture of the extreme was outdated or even AI-generated, only to be proved wrong when a clip was shared by another person. “I actually live in the village houses right above that spot, so I wanted to post the video I took this morning to prove... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359867/clips-flooded-hong-kong-rivers-streets-go-viral-online-after-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359867/clips-flooded-hong-kong-rivers-streets-go-viral-online-after-heavy-rain?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:24:10 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory lifted its amber rainstorm warning on Saturday afternoon, but said the city would continue to face unsettled weather, including strong winds, swells and heavy showers, until the middle of next week. The forecaster issued the warning at 2pm, after it replaced the standby typhoon signal with the strong monsoon signal at 3.21am. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3359393/hong-kong-cancels-t1-signal-warns-strong-winds-showers-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3359393/hong-kong-cancels-t1-signal-warns-strong-winds-showers-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:23:07 +0000 Connor Mycroft,William Yiu Connor Mycroft,William Yiu This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory has cancelled the amber rainstorm warning after two hours, and has said the chances of the current No 1 typhoon signal being upgraded are “relatively low”. The Observatory cancelled the amber warning signal at 4.10pm, but warned that violent gusts could continue to affect some parts of Hong Kong. The warning means that heavy rain has... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359233/hong-kong-keep-t1-until-least-6pm-tropical-storm-maysak-nears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359233/hong-kong-keep-t1-until-least-6pm-tropical-storm-maysak-nears?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:13:39 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will keep the No 1 typhoon signal in force until at least Friday noon and may later issue the No 3 warning in response to an approaching tropical depression. The Observatory said on Thursday that the tropical depression was about 630km (391 miles) from Hong Kong as of 5pm. The forecaster earlier said the tropical depression was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3359089/hong-kong-issues-no-1-typhoon-signal-thursday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3359089/hong-kong-issues-no-1-typhoon-signal-thursday-morning?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:23:11 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue the No 1 typhoon signal on Thursday, potentially marking the city’s first storm of the year, as a tropical depression approaches. The Hong Kong Observatory said on Wednesday evening that the tropical depression had entered within 800km (497 miles) of the city, and would move in the general direction of the vicinity of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3358995/hong-kong-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-thursday-tropical-depression-nears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3358995/hong-kong-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-thursday-tropical-depression-nears?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:07:10 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has warned of record high temperatures this year and next, with a developing El Nino potentially becoming the strongest on record. The Observatory said on Monday that sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean were expected to rise further, developing into an El Nino event this summer that would... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3358912/record-heat-expected-hong-kong-year-super-el-nino-threatens-observatory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3358912/record-heat-expected-hong-kong-year-super-el-nino-threatens-observatory?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:37:52 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory has cancelled an amber rainstorm warning in force for about 3½ hours, after earlier advising residents to brace for wet weather under the influence of a low-pressure trough along the southern Chinese coast. The forecaster issued the amber alert, the lowest level in a three-tier rainstorm warning system, at 11.10am on Sunday and later... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358629/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-signal-warns-city-brace-rain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358629/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-signal-warns-city-brace-rain?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jun 2026 03:16:48 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong enjoyed a few sunny spells on the Tuen Ng Festival, just a day after the city issued its top-tier black rainstorm warning twice only hours apart, as some hiking experts warned outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of safety hazards. The Hong Kong Observatory said that Friday, the day of this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, would see sunny intervals and hot... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3357682/sunny-spells-dragon-boat-festival-after-2-black-rainstorm-warnings-1-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/weather/hong-kong/article/3357682/sunny-spells-dragon-boat-festival-after-2-black-rainstorm-warnings-1-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:09:37 +0000 Coco Feng Coco Feng An artificial intelligence model recently deployed at the Hong Kong Observatory and mainland China’s National Meteorological Centre can solve one of the toughest challenges in weather forecasting: predicting when a typhoon will rapidly intensify. Li Qinglan, a professor at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) who is leading the project, said the system was installed around three weeks ago and had provided “real-time updates on the progression of Typhoon Jangmi”. Jangmi, which... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/article/3357567/chinese-ai-improves-forecasts-hong-kong-braces-super-typhoons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/article/3357567/chinese-ai-improves-forecasts-hong-kong-braces-super-typhoons?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning for more than three hours on Tuesday evening. The warning, the lowest level in a three-tier system, was issued at 6.15pm and cancelled at 9.55pm. The alert signals that more than 30mm (1.2 inches) of rain has fallen or is expected to fall across the city within an hour. The forecaster said downpours... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357318/more-heavy-rain-expected-hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357318/more-heavy-rain-expected-hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:57:33 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather will remain unstable in the coming days before turning bright on Friday for the Dragon Boat Festival and into the weekend, according to the Observatory. The forecaster said that under the influence of an active southwest monsoon and a trough of low pressure, showers would be heavy at times on Tuesday. “The weather is expected to remain... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3357128/observatory-could-issue-red-rainstorm-warning-monitoring-thundery-showers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3357128/observatory-could-issue-red-rainstorm-warning-monitoring-thundery-showers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:08:21 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung A lightning strike at a Hong Kong swimming pool has prompted calls for mandatory closures of outdoor public venues during thundery weather and stronger protection measures. One day after the incident on Saturday, experts told the South China Morning Post that extra caution was needed at venues such as swimming pools because water was highly conductive and lightning-protection systems were not foolproof. On Saturday morning, while a thunderstorm warning was in force, lightning struck a diving... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3357075/should-hong-kong-close-swimming-pools-during-thunderstorms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3357075/should-hong-kong-close-swimming-pools-during-thunderstorms?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:38:06 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory cancelled the amber rainstorm warning for a second time on Saturday, after the city was hit by heavy showers and thunderstorms under the combined influence of a southwest monsoon trough and a low-pressure trough. The earlier downpours prompted the forecaster to issue an amber rainstorm warning – the lowest in the three-tier system –... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3356983/hong-kong-faces-another-wet-weekend-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-hit-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3356983/hong-kong-faces-another-wet-weekend-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-hit-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jun 2026 02:37:29 +0000 Leopold Chen,Danny Mok Leopold Chen,Danny Mok This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the first black rainstorm warning of the year for an hour on Monday evening, with a trough of low pressure expected to bring further heavy rainfall in the coming 24 hours and flooding reported in some areas. The forecaster replaced the top-tier rainstorm alert at 9.35pm with the red warning and then lowered that to amber at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3356398/hong-kong-observatory-issues-red-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3356398/hong-kong-observatory-issues-red-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:57:57 +0000