Hong Kong is brace for a dramatic temperature plunge next week as a powerful surge of the northeast monsoon descends upon Guangdong, with forecasts indicating a drastic 12-degree Celsius drop in a single day, according to warnings issued by the Observatory today. The intense cold front, slated to arrive Monday evening, is set to usher in significantly cooler, windy, and exceptionally dry conditions across coastal regions, with inland areas potentially experiencing genuinely cold weather for this time of year.
Rapid Climate Shift Threatens Coastal Areas
The shift marks a sudden end to the recent warmth. The Observatory projects Monday, October 17th, will see a relatively balmy peak of 27°C. However, by Tuesday, October 18th, the mercury is expected to plummet, with the lowest temperature forecast at just 15°C—a staggering decline that experts caution could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The severe weather is driven not only by the robust northeast monsoon reinforcement but also by an accompanying expansive cloud band. This combination will result in noticeably high winds along the coast and exceptionally dry atmospheric conditions.
Initial forecasts for the middle of next week reveal sustained chills. Wednesday, October 19th, is anticipated to see temperatures barely move, with a predicted high of only 16°C and a low of 13°C, indicating a minimal daily temperature range of just three degrees. Temperatures will remain subdued on Thursday, dropping slightly to a low of 15°C and only reaching a high of 19°C.
Inland Impact and Regional Variance
The temperature disparity across the region will be stark. While the general forecast predicts a maximum high of 27°C and a low of 21°C on Monday, localized forecasts show even greater fluctuations. For instance, the automated regional weather prediction highlights Sheung Shui potentially reaching a high of 29°C on Monday, only to crash to a low of 14°C on Tuesday, emphasizing the extreme variability in the temperature swing.
“This is an unusually sharp and rapid drop,” commented an independent meteorologist specializing in East Asian weather patterns, who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak on behalf of the Observatory. “A 12-degree Celsius drop in 24 hours places significant strain on infrastructure and requires residents to adapt quickly to prevent cold-related illnesses.”
Gradual Recovery Expected by Weekend
Relief is tentatively scheduled to arrive towards the end of the week as the monsoon influence is forecast to moderate slightly, allowing daytime temperatures to gradually climb back up along the South China coast.
According to the Observatory’s nine-day outlook, temperatures will begin a slow recovery starting Friday:
- Friday, October 21st: Temperatures ranging from a cool 16°C in the morning to 21°C in the afternoon. Conditions will be mostly cloudy with periods of sunshine and very dry air.
- Saturday, October 22nd: Improving to 17°C to 23°C, with mostly clear skies. Mornings remain cool and afternoons very dry.
- Sunday, October 23rd: Continuing the warming trend, with lows of 18°C and highs of 24°C, marked by clear, dry conditions.
Residents are strongly advised to prepare for the immediate cold snap by layering clothing, using appropriate heating, and taking precautions against the extremely dry conditions, which increase the risk of fire and respiratory issues. Authorities urge the public to monitor official updates closely as monsoon systems can be volatile, potentially leading to further adjustments in the forecast for the coming week.
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