Hong Kong has hoisted the T1 storm signal, after experiencing the hottest day of the year.
The T1 signal was raised at 12.40am on Wednesday, with rain set to persist for the coming ten days.
A tropical cyclone passing over the central part of the South China Sea is set to move across the region on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO).
“It will then move in the general direction of Hainan Island and the vicinity of the coast of western Guangdong in the next few days. There will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms over the coast of Guangdong in the latter part of this week. It will be windy with swells. The tropical cyclone will then move inland,” the HKO said. “However, under the influence of an active southerly airstream, there will still be a few showers over Guangdong early next week.”
The HKO said the minimum temperature would be 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday: “Very hot with sunny periods during the day. The maximum temperature will be around 33 degrees. Moderate to fresh east to northeasterly winds, occasionally strong offshore and on high ground. There will be swells.”
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
- Cold Weather Warning was issued at 16:20 HKT (5 Jan 2026)
- Red Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (5 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.
