Temperatures in Hong Kong are expected to drop significantly next Friday – lows of 15 degrees celsius are expected following a fortnight of summer-like weather this November.
The Hong Kong Observatory said “an intense surge of the northeast monsoon” will affect southern China in the latter part of next week, with temperatures forecast to drop below 20 degrees starting from Thursday, November 26.
On Wednesday, Hong Kong saw average temperatures of over 28 celsius. Many districts, including Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Sheung Shui registered above 30 celsius.
The rest of the week is expected to be sunny although it could turn cloudy with occasional rain over the weekend, the Observatory said.
El Nino strengthens
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Tuesday this year’s El Nino is the strongest since 1998. El Nino refers to a recurring phenomenon which sees the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean rise, affecting climates in many places around the world. This year it has caused severe droughts and flooding in tropical and sub-tropical areas, the WMO said.
In July, the Guardian reported 2015 was poised to become the warmest year ever following a record-breakingly hot June.
