Climate of Hong Kong
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The climate of Hong Kong belongs to Group C of the Köppen climate classification scheme.
In December, January and February, the sky is typically overcast and occasional cold fronts are experienced, although it may be sunnier earlier on in winter. Temperatures can be low by Hong Kong standards, varying from around 7°C-15°C on a colder day. Snow and frost, however, are very unlikely to form (as sub-zero temperatures almost never occur). Rainfall is uncommon in this period of time. Cold weather and drizzles can persist once they begin. Winter weather usually ends in late February, although temperatures below 10°C have been recorded in mid-March. Less and less surges of the northeast monsoon arrive at Hong Kong's doorstep as winter goes on to spring.
From March to May, the chance of rainfall increases, and humidity is usually higher than in October and November. However, locals tend to welcome these months, as the searing summer heat has yet to arrive.
June to September are hottest months of the year. Temperature ranges between 26°C-34°C with high humidity (often remaining over 60-70% during the day, and even higher at night). These are also the months of thunderstorms. A typical forecast for a summer day includes hot and sunny conditions, with isolated showers and thunderstorms, but sometimes heavy rain. Hong Kong may be hit by typhoons during summer and early autumn, but these events are not unknown in late spring either.
In October and November the weather is generally sunny, and less rainfall occurs compared to the summer months. They are often considered the most pleasant months because of mild to warm temperatures without the high humidity experienced in spring and summer.
[edit] Typhoons
Typhoons are classified in these four categories: tropical depressions, tropical storms, severe tropical storms and typhoons. If the typhoon passes by Hong Kong at a distance, it may bring a little rain and wind that will not last for more than half a day. If it scores a direct hit, the winds can be deadly and it may rain for days.
Typhoons are violent tropical cyclones, a massive twisting air currents with hundreds of kilometres in width. They can only exist over warm oceans. When they hit the land, their moisture will dry out and they die out. The eye of a typhoon is usually tens of kilometres wide and has a column of descending air. It can be entirely calm in contrast to the surrounding vortex.
However, Hong Kong is only a small point on earth and hence the odds for a direct typhoon hit is quite rare. However, when it does occur, the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Typhoon Signal no. 10, the strongest storm warning issued by the agency.
