Hong Kong unlikely to see direct impact from tropical cyclones for rest of October
Hong Kong Observatory says an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the South China Sea since late September will likely suppress deep convection, making direct tropical cyclone strikes on the city unlikely for the rest of October.
The Hong Kong Observatory said an anomalous anticyclonic circulation has been established in the lower atmosphere over the South China Sea and the vicinity of the Philippines since late September, suppressing the development of deep convection in the region. The situation is forecast to persist over the South China Sea until late October, making it unlikely for any tropical cyclone to directly affect Hong Kong for the remainder of the month.
In a weather blog published on 7 October, the Observatory noted that as of 6 October, a total of 34 tropical cyclones have affected the northwest Pacific and the South China Sea this year, significantly more than the long-term average for the period from January to September. Among them, 12 tropical cyclones formed in August, breaking the single-month record since 1961.
Despite the above-average activity, only three tropical cyclones have so far entered within 500 kilometres of Hong Kong this year, fewer than the long-term average of about five. However, two other tropical cyclones passed by at a distance of around 500 kilometres from the city.
The Observatory said that if the typhoon season ends by October or earlier, the overall situation would remain consistent with the forecast issued in March this year.
Currently, three tropical cyclones are active over the northwest Pacific, and they are likely to affect Japan and its adjacent waters. The Observatory reminded residents planning to visit the region to keep abreast of the latest weather information.