Hong Kong residents are bracing themselves for the dual threats of an approaching typhoon and scorching temperatures. Typhoon Koinu, drawing near at a distance of 800km from the city, is expected to bring with it an array of meteorological challenges, while Hong Kong swelters under a temperature that peaked at 34.6 degrees Celsius (94.3 Fahrenheit) this past Wednesday.
Typhoon Koinu’s Approach
The typhoon, which derives its name from the Japanese term for the constellation Canis Minor, is predicted to graze Taiwan’s southern regions before heading to eastern Guangdong’s coastal waters. Though the projections estimate it to remain more than 500km away from Hong Kong, the local meteorological department maintains a close watch. On Thursday, the No 1 signal warning will be maintained, reflecting the cautious approach of forecasters.
The impact of Koinu isn’t just limited to its winds. One of the observable consequences of its approach has been the exceptionally clear skies and the intense heat over South China, attributed to the typhoon’s outer downdraft. The heat has led the Observatory to issue a “very hot weather” warning, urging citizens to minimize exposure to the sun, avoiding prolonged outdoor activities and seeking shade whenever feasible.
Impact on Air Quality
As if the looming threat of the typhoon and the searing heat weren’t enough, parts of the city are witnessing a decline in air quality. By Wednesday afternoon, pollution metrics in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun had reached high levels. The most adversely affected was Tung Chung. In response, the Environmental Protection Department issued advisories, particularly for vulnerable groups. Children, senior citizens, and those with heart or respiratory issues have been advised to reduce outdoor activities, especially in traffic-heavy regions.
Upcoming Weather Changes
However, it’s not all bad news. The coming weekend promises a respite from the current sweltering conditions. Influenced by both Typhoon Koinu and an impending northeast monsoon, the meteorological department anticipates appreciably cooler temperatures. Alongside this, residents should brace for squally showers, with stronger northerly winds expected, particularly offshore and on elevated terrains.
A Look Back at September’s Weather Anomalies
The approach of Typhoon Koinu follows a particularly turbulent September for Hong Kong. The month began with the powerful impact of Super Typhoon Saola, which struck on September 1 and 2. This was followed by an unprecedented rainstorm between September 7 and 8.
Saola distinguished itself in meteorological records. Since 1950, it ranks as the second most potent tropical cyclone to affect the South China Sea. Its ferocity was such that Hong Kong raised the hurricane signal to No 10 during its passage. This was a rare move, with the previous No 10 signal being issued when Super Typhoon Mangkhut assaulted the city in 2018.
September also saw the Observatory sounding the alarm with a Black Rainstorm Warning, which persisted for an astounding 16 hours and 35 minutes. This duration is now recorded as the longest since the rainstorm warning system’s initiation in 1992.
The month’s rainfall was nothing short of remarkable. Spurred predominantly by the deluge accompanying Saola and low-pressure troughs in early September, a record-breaking rainfall of 1,067.1mm was logged. This figure trounces the previous high of 844.2mm recorded in September 1952.
The unprecedented rainfall has virtually offset the rainfall deficit observed in the year’s initial eight months. Cumulatively, the rainfall from January to September stands at 2,224.3mm, marginally below the typical 2,242.8mm for the period.
After the storms, the month’s latter half saw an extended period of clear, scorching weather. From September 21 to 30, ten consecutive days of intense heat were recorded – another September record. Notably, this period included the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 29, which witnessed a high of 33.7 degrees.
Climate Change Concerns
Environmental entities are increasingly concerned about these weather patterns. Friends of the Earth Hong Kong, a prominent environmental advocacy group, warned that due to global warming, such intense typhoons, heatwaves, and rainstorms could become more frequent. The repercussions of these would be multifold, from endangering lives to economic ramifications.
Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing, the CEO of the organization, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He appealed to the Hong Kong government to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment to determine the city’s vulnerability to climatic changes. Strengthening resilience is imperative, and he underscored the necessity of fortifying flood defenses, ensuring emergency provisions, and establishing temporary shelters.
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