23rd July 2026 – (Hong Kong) A tropical depression located over waters east of the Philippines is forecast to strengthen gradually into a tropical cyclone and move into the northeastern part of the South China Sea later this week, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
At 10am, the system was centred approximately 870 kilometres east of Manila and was moving west-northwest at around 25 kilometres per hour towards the vicinity of the Luzon Strait. Forecasters expect it to intensify progressively as it advances, with a higher likelihood of heading towards the eastern coast of Guangdong over the weekend. However, uncertainties remain regarding its eventual landfall location and how close it will come to Hong Kong.
Scientific Officer Chan Wai-soen said the system is anticipated to enter the northeastern South China Sea in the latter part of the week and continue strengthening. While it is more likely to move in the direction of eastern Guangdong, variations in its track mean the precise impact on Hong Kong is not yet clear. Under its influence, winds along the Guangdong coast are expected to strengthen later on Saturday through Sunday, accompanied by squally showers and thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, a subtropical ridge is affecting southeastern China, bringing generally fine conditions to the region. Hong Kong is expected to experience mainly sunny weather today, apart from isolated showers in the morning, with very hot conditions during the day and light to moderate southerly winds. Similar weather is forecast for tomorrow.
Looking ahead, there will be sunny intervals on Saturday before conditions deteriorate later in the day. From late Saturday into Sunday, the territory is expected to become windier, with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Swell conditions are also anticipated at sea.
The Observatory added that a broad trough of low pressure is likely to influence the northern part of the South China Sea in the early to middle part of next week, keeping the weather over the Guangdong coast unsettled.
