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Hong Kong's climate
is sub-tropical, but tends to be temperate for nearly half the year. During
the winter months the temperature can drop to below 10C, but in the summer
months (June, July and August) this is reversed when the seasonal winds
bring hot humid tropical air to the region.
Hong
Kong is subject to a 'typhoon' season, which normally occurs between May and
November, and typhoons can
be particularly prevalent during September. Advisory
bulletins and/or warnings are issued by the Hong Kong Observatory whenever
a tropical cyclone centres within 800 km of Hong Kong and poses a threat to
the territory. Once issued, signals are regularly broadcast over the radio
and television, and signs are posted in the entrance halls of most office
and apartment blocks and shopping malls.
It is important that
newcomers to Hong Kong are able to easily recognise the warning systems
that are in place and what to do. The warning
system is very well designed and there are generally few accidents and a
low level of damage to property. In other parts of
the world, typhoons are also referred to as hurricanes.
Hong
Kong also has
a rainstorm warning system that alerts the public about the onset of heavy
rain which is likely to bring about major disruptions. These warnings are
independent of other severe weather warnings such as the tropical cyclone
warning mentioned above, or landslip warnings, which are issued separately.
The rainy season is normally between April and September and can be
particularly heavy and persistent during May and June
The
rainstorm warning system has three levels: AMBER, RED and BLACK.
The
AMBER signal gives the alert about potential heavy rain that may
develop into either RED or BLACK signals. It is likely that
there will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. The RED
and BLACK signals warn of heavy rain, which is likely to bring about
serious road flooding and traffic congestion. Instructions on what actions
to take are given by the Hong Kong Observatory.
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