Tropical storms developing off east coast are predicted to bring wet weather, high temperatures and smog to Hong Kong over the coming days.

hko
Talim. Photo: HKO.

Tropical Cyclone Talim “is forecast to intensify gradually and move northwest or west-northwest at about 22 kilometres per hour towards of the East China Sea,” the Observatory said.

Is predicted to become a super typhoon with wind speeds of more than 185km per hour.

Photo: HKO.
Talim. Photo: HKO.

Meanwhile, a tropical depression near the Philippines will soon enter the South China Sea, where it will gradually intensify as it heads towards Hainan Island over the next couple of days.

tropical depression
Photo: HKO.

The thunderstorm warning was hoisted by the Observatory at 2:40pm on Tuesday, triggered by the hot weather.

Owing to the influence of Typhoon Talim, the government’s Air Quality Index registered “Serious” and “Very High” risks to health at stations around the territory on Tuesday, including in Causeway Bay, Sham Shui Po and Central.

“The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity and the formation of ozone, resulting in high ozone concentrations in the Pearl River Delta region. In addition, light winds hinder the effective dispersion of air pollutants,” the Environmental Protection Department said.

The rain is expected to continue into the weekend.

Tom is the editor-in-chief and founder of Hong Kong Free Press. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He has contributed to the BBC, Euronews, Al-Jazeera and others.