Hong Kong typhoon season likely over as October cyclone risk low
The Hong Kong Observatory said the typhoon season is expected to end this month with low risk of a direct hit, as sea temperatures drop and atmospheric conditions suppress storm formation. While 34 tropical cyclones have affected the region this year, well above average, local activity has been limi
The Hong Kong Observatory said on Wednesday that this year’s typhoon season is expected to end by October and the chance of a tropical cyclone directly affecting the city during the remaining part of this month is low.
Sea surface temperatures in the South China Sea have dropped, and the anticyclonic circulation anomaly has been suppressing the development of deep convective clouds over the South China Sea and the Philippines region since late September, the forecaster said. The latest climate models generally indicate these unfavourable conditions will persist through late October, making tropical cyclones unlikely to form.
So far, a total of 34 tropical cyclones have affected the western North Pacific and the South China Sea, significantly higher than the long-term average of about 21 from January to September. Among them, 12 tropical cyclones formed in August, setting a record for the month since 1961.
For Hong Kong this year, Maysak, Noul and Saudel prompted the issuance of tropical cyclone warning signals by the Observatory. Among them, Noul skirted the city at a distance of about 80 km northeast on 26 July, leading the weather watchdog to issue the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No. 9.
Although the local typhoon season is expected to end, the Observatory reminded residents planning to visit Japan that three tropical cyclones — Choi-wan, Koguma and Nolo — are currently affecting the western North Pacific and may impact Japan and nearby waters.