5th May 2026 – (Hong Kong) April 2026 extended the exceptionally warm conditions seen in the first quarter of the year, with all three key temperature indicators ranking as the second highest on record for the month.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that the monthly mean minimum temperature reached 23.8°C, 2.7°C above the long‑term norm. The mean temperature stood at 25.5°C, 2.5°C higher than average, while the mean maximum temperature was 27.9°C, exceeding the norm by 2.3°C. The unusually warm conditions were mainly attributed to above‑normal sea surface temperatures and a stronger‑than‑usual southerly airflow over the northern South China Sea.
Rainfall for the month totalled 160.4 millimetres, around 5 per cent above the normal figure of 153.0 millimetres. Cumulative rainfall for the first four months of 2026 amounted to 359.6 millimetres, approximately 20 per cent higher than the seasonal norm of 300.4 millimetres.
The month began under the influence of a northeast monsoon and cloud bands over Guangdong, bringing mainly cloudy skies and slightly cooler mornings on 1st April, with a few showers later. A trough of low pressure led to heavy showers and squally thunderstorms on 4th and 5th April. More than 40 millimetres of rain were recorded in eastern districts, with Tai Po exceeding 80 millimetres over the two days. The Observatory logged 45.1 millimetres on 5th April, the second highest daily rainfall recorded for the Ching Ming Festival since records began in 1884.
Warmer conditions soon returned. A southerly airstream brought hot weather with sunny intervals on 6th and 7th April, while temperatures climbed further between 13th and 16th April under the influence of an upper‑air anticyclone. On 16th April, the Observatory recorded the month’s highest temperature of 30.2°C.
An intense spell of thundery showers struck on 17th April, with heavy rain and squally thunderstorms affecting Hong Kong Island and Lantau. Hail was reported on Lamma Island. Visibility was reduced on several days due to mist and light winds, particularly on 18th, 19th and 20th April.
A cold front crossed the Guangdong coast around midday on 23rd April, ushering in a northeast monsoon and noticeably cooler weather. Temperatures fell by 3 to 5 degrees compared with the previous day. The mercury dropped to a monthly low of 19.7°C on 24th April. Showers and thunderstorms accompanied the frontal system, with rainfall exceeding 30 millimetres in many areas.
Further unsettled weather occurred on 29th April as another cold front moved through, bringing heavy showers and squally thunderstorms. More than 30 millimetres of rain were widely recorded, with parts of Hong Kong Island receiving over 50 millimetres. The month concluded on 30th April with drier conditions under the northeast monsoon, featuring sunny intervals, cooler morning temperatures and relative humidity falling to around 50 per cent across much of the territory.4:44 PM
