The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing the T3 storm signal on Saturday as a tropical cyclone to the east of the Philippines is forecast to move towards the city.
In a forecast issued shortly past noon on Thursday, the Observatory said the tropical cyclone was expected to enter within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong from Friday night to the early hours on Saturday. The T1 warning signal will be hoisted by then.
The tropical cyclone is expected to intensify as it moves closer to Hong Kong.
“There will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms later on Saturday to Monday. It will be windy and seas will be rough with swells,” the Observatory said.
Hong Kong could see higher warning signals on Sunday depending on the distance between the tropical cyclone and the city, its intensity and the change in local wind conditions, the weather service added.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and refrain from water sports.
Typhoon Signal 3
The No. 3 signal warns of strong winds affecting, or expected to affect, Hong Kong within 12 hours.
- Classes of kindergartens and schools for children with physical or intellectual disabilities will be suspended.
- Scheduled ferry services may be cancelled as conditions worsen. Bus and MTR services are not affected.
- Residents should secure loose objects like flower pots or drying racks, and prepare for possible flooding in low-lying areas.
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.
According to the Observatory’s annual outlook for 2025, the weather service expects between five and eight tropical cyclones to come within 500 kilometres of Hong Kong this year, a level considered normal to above normal.
