HONG KONG, November 24 — A persistent seasonal cold front is steering dry and dramatically cooler conditions toward Hong Kong this week, marked by significant temperature swings between day and night, even as a distant tropical system brews near the Philippines. Forecasters anticipate a brief warm period today before the arrival of a reinforcement cold surge tonight, fundamentally altering the weather pattern for the remainder of the week and signaling a distinctly autumnal shift across the region.
Today, Monday, began with mostly cloudy skies and isolated showers in the early hours, offering a mild preliminary to the shift. However, daytime temperatures are predicted to rebound significantly, reaching an estimated high of 27 degrees Celsius in urban areas, with inland New Territories possibly exceeding that by a degree or two. This brief warmth will accompany largely clear skies and low humidity. Winds are expected to remain moderate from the northeast before markedly strengthening into a fresh northerly breeze as Monday evening progresses.
The primary meteorological driver remains the northeast monsoon, which currently influences South China. While this system is easing slightly today, allowing for the daytime warmth, a more potent reinforcing surge is slated to arrive along the coast between Monday night and early Tuesday.
The Week Ahead: Clear Skies and Dropping Temperatures
The sustained presence of the replenished monsoon will ensure a week defined by clear, sunny, and exceptionally dry conditions. This meteorological pattern will create considerable diurnal temperature variation, meaning the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows will be unusually large.
Starting mid-week, residents should prepare for noticeably cooler mornings and evenings, a stark contrast to the moderate daytime temperatures. This prolonged cool and highly dry spell is typical as the late autumn season matures.
Focus on the Tropics
Separately, weather watchers are monitoring an area of low pressure currently situated east of the Philippines. This developing tropical system is projected to gradually intensify and move toward the Philippines over the next 24 to 48 hours. By the middle to latter half of the week, the low-pressure area is forecast to track across the southern and central parts of the South China Sea. While far from Hong Kong, its movement is a key indicator of regional atmospheric instability and may indirectly influence air currents over the wider region.
The combination of the monsoon dominance and the clear skies will significantly raise the risk of brush fires. The public is advised to take precautions against dry air conditions, including using moisturizers and staying hydrated, and to exercise caution regarding open flames due to the elevated fire hazard rating anticipated throughout the week. The sustained change confirms the region is transitioning firmly out of summer-like heat and into a distinct, dry cool season.
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