Hong Kong saw 9,437 cloud-to-ground lightening strikes across a 14-hour period beginning at 9pm on Tuesday, as severe storms lashed the territory, according to the Observatory.

Lightening over Hong Kong's harbour on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Lightening over Hong Kong’s harbour on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Gerry Cheng.

The Observatory said that heavy showers and squally thunderstorms will continue during Wednesday’s May Day holiday: “Showers will be heavy at times. Moderate east to northeasterly winds, gusty at times.”

Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Lok Tonight.

The thunderstorm warning was first hoisted at 7.17pm on Tuesday and remained in force on Wednesday morning alongside an amber rainstorm warning.

Cloud-to-ground lightning count distribution
Cloud-to-ground lightning count distribution over Hong Kong. Photo: HKO.

Delays continued at Hong Kong’s international airport, with several planes diverted on Tuesday evening.

Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Cch Ten.

The wet weather comes as China’s Golden Week holiday period kicked off, with the city expecting an influx of tourists.

Cloud-to-ground lightning count distribution
Lightening strikes over Hong Kong on Tuesday evening, April 30, 2024. Photo: HKO.

Hong Kong’s first regular drone and pyrotechnics show is still due to take place on May Day evening, as part of a tourism drive.

Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Lightening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of ChunFung.com.hk.

Meanwhile, dragon boat races on Lamma Island continued during Wednesday’s Tin Hau Festival, despite the conditions.

Tin Hau Festival dragon boat races
Tin Hau Festival dragon boat races on Lamma Island on May 1, 2024. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Occasional thunderstorms will continue on Thursday, with hotter, brighter weather predicted for early next week, the Observatory said.

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Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 and is the editor-in-chief. In addition to editing, he is responsible for managing the newsroom and company - including fundraising, recruitment and overseeing HKFP's web presence and ethical guidelines.

He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously led an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.