The South China Sea is on alert as Tropical Storm Lyra stalled near the Paracel Islands early Monday, while Hong Kong anticipates a significant shift in weather patterns this week, transitioning from moderate rain to cooler, drier conditions fueled by seasonal monsoons. As of 5 a.m. local time, Lyra was situated approximately 250 kilometers south of the Xisha archipelago, exhibiting slow movement and expected to linger in the central South China Sea before gradually weakening and heading toward southern Vietnam within the next 48 hours.
Local conditions in Hong Kong began the day Monday under largely overcast skies, experiencing isolated light showers during the morning. Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 25 degrees Celsius amid moderate northeasterly winds. This weather is characteristic of the prevailing northeast monsoon, which continues to influence the region’s coastal areas.
Monsoon Reinforcements Bring Cooler Temperatures
Forecasters anticipate a noticeable change by mid-week triggered by the arrival of a fresh monsoon surge. A reinforcing band of monsoon air is projected to push into Southern China between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. This influx is poised to deliver significantly cooler mornings across the region during the latter half of the week.
The current weather system involves a persistent cloud band that is responsible for the ongoing occasional drizzle. As this cloud cover dissipates, the temperature difference between day and night in inland areas is expected to widen considerably, a signature effect of drier winter air from the north.
Forecast Highlights for the Week
Tuesday is predicted to remain mostly cloudy, with the possibility of light rain in the morning and evening hours. However, the meteorological shift truly sets in on Wednesday, marked by winds turning predominantly northerly. This transition will usher in a stretch of several days featuring notably cooler mornings and periods of sunshine later in the day.
The trajectory of Tropical Storm Lyra, locally known as Tianqin, will remain a point of interest for regional shipping and aviation. Though it is not currently forecast to directly impact Hong Kong, its prolonged presence in the central maritime zone maintains turbulent sea conditions. Its expected dissipation over Vietnam’s southern coast offers relief, removing the immediate threat of a major tropical cyclone developing further north.
This dual atmospheric pressure—the near-stationary tropical storm juxtaposed with intensifying seasonal winds—is a common late-season feature in East Asia. Local authorities advise residents to prepare for fluctuating temperatures, reminding those venturing outdoors to layer clothing, especially given the expected sharp drops in morning temperatures later in the week. The increase in sunshine hours coupled with the cooler, drier air mass suggests an effective end to the current mild, damp spell and the firm establishment of autumn weather.
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