Intense Winter Monsoon to Bring Sub-Zero Temperatures to Hong Kong Next Week
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A sharp drop in temperatures is forecast for Hong Kong next week as an intense winter monsoon approaches, with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) predicting a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius beginning Wednesday. Residents are preparing for a significant cold snap, marking a shift from earlier forecasts of milder winter conditions.
Monsoon to Intensify Over Southern China
According to the HKO, the intense winter monsoon is expected to gradually affect southern China starting Tuesday. “Winds will strengthen over the region and temperatures will fall appreciably afterwards,” the Observatory stated on Friday. The cold weather is anticipated to extend beyond Hong Kong, impacting the Guangdong coast in the middle and latter parts of next week.
Temperature Drop and “Cold Day” Outlook
Temperatures are expected to plummet overnight, reaching a low of 12 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. The HKO defines a “cold day” as one where the daily minimum temperature falls to 12 degrees Celsius or below. While the Observatory previously indicated that average temperatures this winter and in early spring would be “normal to slightly higher than normal,” the current forecast suggests a period of notably colder weather.
The typical number of cold days in Hong Kong ranges from nine to 17. However, 2025 saw a significantly lower number, with only six days recorded – 9.2 days fewer than the average between 1991 and 2020. This upcoming monsoon could potentially bring the number of cold days closer to the historical average.
This report was compiled by Hans Tse, a reporter at Hong Kong Free Press specializing in local politics, academia, and media transformation. Prior to joining HKFP, Tse worked as a social science researcher and a freelance reporter covering significant events in Hong Kong, including the 2019 protests and the implementation of the national security law.
