16th August 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong is set for a stormy stretch from 17th August, with the Hong Kong Observatory warning that a broad trough of low pressure will affect the northern South China Sea and the seas east of Taiwan, bringing a run of thundery showers and occasional squally thunderstorms. The unsettled spell is being amplified by a ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, which is expected to make conditions windier along the Guangdong coast by mid‑week. According to the Observatory’s latest nine‑day outlook issued on 16th August at about 4.30pm, the city can expect very hot sunshine at times on Monday before heavier showers and squally thunderstorms develop later, with urban temperatures near 28 to 33 degrees. From Tuesday, an easterly to northeasterly flow takes hold — unusually for high summer — with winds occasionally reaching force 6 on high ground between Wednesday and early Thursday, while daytime temperatures generally range from 27 to 32 degrees.
Forecasters add that areas of low pressure may spin up along the trough as sea temperatures remain warm over the northern South China Sea. If weaker vertical wind shear and favourable upper‑level divergence coincide, one or more of these lows could intensify, with the greatest rain likely on Friday and Saturday, when some districts may see more frequent downpours. The Central government’s National Meteorological Centre — historically known as the Central Meteorological Observatory — projects that two tropical cyclones are likely to form over the northwest Pacific and the South China Sea within ten days, and estimates cumulative rainfall of about 100 to 250 millimetres from 16th to 25th August across coastal Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan and Hong Kong. While any direct hit remains uncertain, the guidance underscores a heightened risk window for the region. (Hong Kong Observatory; China’s National Meteorological Centre.)
With today’s light winds and widespread sunshine driving afternoon readings to roughly 34 degrees across the city, the Observatory cautions that high heat and humidity will continue to trigger thunderstorms on Monday. The near‑term forecast points to mostly cloudy skies with sunny intervals, a few showers at first, then heavier bursts later with squally thunderstorms and generally light winds veering through southwesterly. Looking beyond the weekend, forecasters expect it to stay changeable, windier at times and prone to showers, before brief sunny periods return early next week. Residents are advised to monitor official bulletins, allow extra travel time during heavy rain and gusts, and prepare for potential tropical developments over the coming days.