The Hong Kong Observatory may issue its No.1 typhoon signal on Tuesday afternoon as Tropical Cyclone Yagi is expected to enter within 800 kilometres of the city.
The Observatory said on Monday that it would consider hoisting the standby signal between Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday night, as forecasts showed Yagi edging closer to the coast of southern China and further intensifying.
The tropical cyclone had a higher chance of moving towards the western part of Guangdong and Hainan Island, according to the government forecaster. Depending on Yagi’s intensity, circulation size, and its distance from Hong Kong, higher warning signals may be issued.
At 11 am on Monday, Yagi was around 1,150 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong. The tropical storm is expected to move across the vicinity of the northern part of Luzon, in the Philippines, on Monday and Tuesday. It will then enter the northern part of the South China Sea, the Observatory said.
The Observatory predicted that under the influence of Yagi, the weather would deteriorate later this week with the winds strengthening.
“There will be heavy squally showers. Seas will be rough with swells. Members of the public should take note of the latest weather forecast,” it said.
Typhoon Signal 1
The No.1 signal is the “Standby” signal. It is issued when a tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
- All schools and government services remain open.
- All public transport remains in service.
- The government advice is to take the tropical cyclone into account when planning activities and be wary of potential strong winds over offshore waters.
Observatory signals currently in force
- Yellow Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (4 Jan 2026)
Climate crisis
Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space.
