Hong Kong will see a total lunar eclipse or “blood moon” in the early hours of Monday morning.
It will begin at 11:26pm on Sunday, with the moon entering the umbra of the Earth at 12:27am on Monday, the Observatory said in August. The total lunar eclipse will begin at 1:30am, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 2:12am. The total eclipse phase will last an hour and 23 minutes.
“The whole event can be directly observed with unaided eyes at places with an unobstructed view to the south and southwest if weather permits,” the Observatory said.
“During the period, the moon will not completely disappear from sight but will appear dull red. This is the result of the blue light component of the sunlight being scattered by the earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface. The entire process of lunar eclipse will end at 4.57am on September 8.”
The Observatory will livestream the event.
The T3 storm signal has been in effect since 2:40am on Sunday, as a tropical depression closed in on Hong Kong. The Observatory said it will stay in force for much of Sunday.
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.
