HKO predicts 3 to 5 more cyclones may affect HK this year

The Hong Kong Observatory stated yesterday (August 29) that only five tropical cyclones formed in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea from January to July this year, which is about half the long-term average of around ten. Of these, only two impacted Hong Kong: Tropical Storm Maliksi from late May to early June and Severe Tropical Storm Prapiroon in mid-July.

As of yesterday, six tropical cyclones had formed in the Northwest Pacific in August, bringing storms to Japan, but there have been no cyclones in the South China Sea. The Observatory described the local typhoon season as experiencing a "half-time break."

Looking ahead to the "second half," the Observatory noted that Hong Kong's typhoon season typically runs from May to October, with some seasons extending into November or later. However, even in years when El Niño is weakening, the number of tropical cyclones from January to July usually decreases significantly, but this does not necessarily mean that the total for the year will be much lower than normal.

Considering the developments of El Niño and La Niña, their impacts, and the latest forecasts from major global prediction centers, the Observatory has assessed that there may still be 3 to 5 tropical cyclones entering within a 500-kilometer range of Hong Kong for the remainder of the year.

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