An intense northeast monsoon drove temperatures at the Hong Kong Observatory down to 17.5 degrees Celsius on the morning of November 10, marking the lowest reading of the autumn season so far.
The drop was characterized by a sharp decline in temperatures, with most districts reporting readings approximately seven degrees lower than the previous day.
Tai Mo Shan plummeted to 6.9 degrees, while areas such as Sheung Shui and Tseung Kwan O hovered around 15.5 and 15.9 degrees. By the following morning, November 11, the Observatory reported that radiative cooling caused temperatures in parts of the New Territories, specifically Ta Kwu Ling, to fall as low as 10 degrees, while urban areas remained around 18 degrees.
Morning swimmers at Hung Hom’s Tai Wan Shan Waterfront braved the cold wind to complete their usual routine. Su, a runner interviewed at the waterfront, welcomed the change in weather. Another student, Kate, said that the wind on the boat was intense enough to make her feel as though her hair was being blown out.
The monsoon also brought exceptionally dry conditions to the region. Scientific Officer Wong Wing-yan said that the weather was forecast to be sunny and very dry, with high ground and offshore areas continuing to experience strong winds.
He said that in climatological terms, winter is defined as occurring between December and February. Consequently, the cooling process brought by the monsoon is short-lived, typically lasting only two to three days before temperatures begin to climb again.
Lam also highlighted the wind chill effect, noting that strong northern winds can rapidly remove heat from the human body, causing residents to perceive the temperature as colder than the actual recorded figures.
By November 19, urban temperatures are expected to range between 19 and 24 degrees.
In addition to Ta Kwu Ling, which is expected to fall to 15 degrees, areas including Tseung Kwan O, Shek Kong, and Lau Fau Shan are forecast to drop to 17 degrees. The Observatory has advised residents to monitor weather changes closely and take necessary precautions to stay warm.
