September in Hong Kong was “an eventful month” when it came to extreme weather events, the government meteorological department has said. It came hours before it issued its lowest typhoon signal warning as Tropical Cyclone Koinu entered within 800 kilometres of the city.
“In terms of extreme weather, September 2023 was an eventful month in Hong Kong with the ferocious strike by Super Typhoon Saola on September 1 and 2, and the phenomenal rainstorm on September 7 and 8,” the Hong Kong Observatory said on Wednesday.
Saola, the second most intense tropical cyclone to affect the South China Sea since 1950, triggered the Observatory to issue its highest typhoon warning signal for the first time since 2018. With wind speeds of up to 154 kilometres per hour, it felled thousands of trees; damaged signboards, scaffolding and windows; and caused 460 flights to be cancelled.
A week later, prolonged torrential rain hit Hong Kong, causing the Black rainstorm warning to be in place for 16 hours and 32 minutes, the longest duration since the alert system was introduced in 1992.
From 4 pm on September 7 until the same time the following day, the Observatory recorded 638.5 millimetres of rain – about a quarter of the average annual rainfall. Meanwhile, flash floods and landslides across the city caused widespread disruption and damage to infrastructure.
At least two people died during the deluge, and more than 140 were injured.
The historic downpour also contributed to September’s record-breaking total rainfall of 1067.1 millimetres, more than three times the monthly normal of 321.4 millimetres.
September also set a record for the number of hot days in the month, with maximum temperatures from September 21 to 30 reaching at least 33 degrees Celsius.
The month’s mean temperature of 28.5 was 0.6 degrees hotter than September norms.
Climate experts told HKFP last month that recent extreme weather events were a reminder that “climate change is really here,” adding that typhoons and temperatures would become more intense.
Tropical Cyclone Koinu weakening gradually
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Standby Signal No. 1 at 9.40 pm on Wednesday as Tropical Cyclone Koinu entered within 800 kilometres of the city.
Currently heading east towards coastal areas of mainland China’s Guangdong province, the Observatory said it expected Koinu to weaken gradually.
“Koinu may edge closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary over the weekend, but its intensity is expected to be relatively weak by then,” it said, adding that it would assess whether higher typhoon warning signals would need to be raised.
After recording its hottest October day ever on Wednesday, when the mercury rose to 34.6 degrees Celsius, the Observatory predicted cooler weather, showers and strong northerly winds for the weekend.
A number of events associated with the government’s “Night Vibes Hong Kong” – a push to reinvigorate the city’s evening economy amid weak consumption – have been postponed as a result of the poor forecast.
Among them, a series of outdoor activities such as skateboarding and basketball matches in Causeway Bay have been called off, while local media reported that the electricity supply to a night market at Wan Chai Harbourfront would be cut off if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 is issued.
Typhoon Signal 1
The No.1 signal is the “Standby” signal. It is issued when a tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
- All schools and government services remain open.
- All public transport remains in service.
- The government advice is to take the tropical cyclone into account when planning activities and be wary of potential strong winds over offshore waters.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
