Hong Kong - Climate

The weather in Hong Kong tends to be the best from October to December when the rains stay away  and the temperature isn’t too hot (although December can sometimes be cold). 

January to March is usually chilly and a room heater is nice to drive away the chill that is felt in the bones due to the humidity.  

April is when the warm weather starts again, and so do the rains. 

May-September is usually hot with downpours or long drizzles. Typhoons and rainstorms rear their ugly heads during this time. 

You can check out the weather forecasts at: www.info.gov.hk/hko/contente_new.htm   
This site lists a five day weather forecast, tropical cyclone warnings, gives the pollution index, and more.

For typhoon updates, you can call + 825 2187 8600 when one is in the area. 

Typhoon
Typhoon Warning 1- is indicated by T-1.   This indicates that a tropical cyclone is within an 800 km radius of Hong Kong.  Check the weather links to see the path of the cyclone.  This should give you an idea of whether the weather will get worse or not.  Sometimes I’m unaware that a cyclone is in the area because the weather seems fine when a T-1 is hoisted, but conditions can worsen

Typhoon Warning 3-or T-3, says that windspeed is a sustained 41-62 km/h.  Gusts may be twice as strong as that.  Kindergartens will be closed. 

Typhoon Warning 8- indicated by two black triangles, means the typhoon is going to come very near Hong Kong and you should be preparing for it.  Schools and offices will be closed.  Public transportation will shut down (so don’t delay getting home when the signal goes up!).  The winds will be at sustained speeds of 63-117 km/h.  Gusts may be twice as strong.  Put up your typhoon boards, tape X’s on your windows with masking tape, and have drinking water and candles ready. Typhoon Warning 10 - is the most serious.  It will be indicated by a thick black cross.  The typhoon will hit Hong Kong directly.  Winds will be extremely strong, trees may be uprooted, flooding will occur, and objects will be flying through the air.   When the eye of the typhoon passes, a strange calm will come.  Remember the typhoon isn’t over yet, so remain inside until the all-clear signal is given on the t.v. or weather stations.

After a typhoon the water supply may be contaminated, so don’t drink the water unless you treat it first.

Seasonal Climate
Rain in Hong Kong can be dangerous when it pours down quickly.  There is a system to alert you to the strength of the rain and what should be done.  Usually on public t.v. stations there will be information in the top corner.  It can come in the form of a rain cloud that will be amber, red, or black.  If there is a T with a number, it indicates a typhoon warning.  Your apartment building may also post signs, as well as public areas will show the strength of the rain or the typhoon.  See below. 

An Amber Rainstorm warning means that heavy rain is expected and you should stay alert to see if the conditions will get worse.  

A Red Rainstorm warning means heavy rain that can lead to serious road flooding.  Some schools will  be closed, especially preschools and elementary schools.  When you sign your child up for school, find out what their procedures are during these storm warnings.  Some schools require you to pick up your child if a red rainstorm signal is raised.

A Black Rainstorm warning means you should remain inside until the signal is lowered.  Severe flooding may occur which brings danger of landslides.  Schools will be cancelled until the signal is lowered.  Employers will not expect their employees to come in until the signal is lowered.   Do not go anywhere until the signal is lowered!