Another tropical cyclone may bring more unstable weather to Hong Kong over the weekend, just a week after two back-to-back storms caused strong winds, flooding, and transport havoc across the city.

YouTube video

According to the Hong Kong Observatory: “The area of low pressure to the west of Luzon will develop into a tropical cyclone over the central and northern parts of the South China Sea today and tomorrow.”

hk weather
Photo: HKO.

“It will initially move relatively slowly, and edge closer to the coast of Guangdong gradually afterwards. The associated unsettled weather will affect the south China coast over the weekend and early next week.”

Typhoon Hato triggered a No.10 Hurricane Signal in Hong Kong last Wednesday – the strongest storm to hit since 2012. It also brought about massive destruction in the neighbouring city of Macau, leaving 10 dead.

See also: In Pictures: Oil spill and two consecutive storms leave Hong Kong’s beaches strewn with debris

Just days later, the Hong Kong Observatory raised the T8 storm signal as Tropical Cyclone Pakhar moved closer to the city, affecting around 300 flights.

hko forecast
Photo: HKO.

Air hazard 

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Department also warned of higher than normal pollution levels, with the Air Health Index reaching the “very high” health risk category.

hk weather
Photo: HKO via Youtube.

It urged the public to stay indoors and especially to avoid outdoor areas with heavy traffic. The pollution levels are expected to remain high until showers hit the region in the second half of the week.

The weather forecast for Thursday is hot and hazy, with showers and thunderstorms later in the day.

Karen is a journalist and writer covering politics and legal affairs in Hong Kong for HKFP. She has also written features on human rights, public space, regional legal developments, social and grassroots activism, and arts & culture. She is a BA and LLB graduate from the University of Hong Kong.