Hong Kong experienced its hottest October on record this year, with the average temperature reaching 27.3 degrees Celsius. This was 1.6 degrees higher than the normal average temperature for the month. The city’s Observatory attributed this unusually warm weather to the weaker northeast monsoon over southern China.
In addition to the high average temperature, the mean maximum temperature for October was 30.3 degrees Celsius, while the mean minimum temperature was 25.4 degrees Celsius. Both of these figures were significantly higher than the monthly averages, with the mean minimum temperature being the highest ever recorded for October.
October also saw much less rainfall than usual, with only 11.3 millimetres recorded. This was just 9% of the average rainfall recorded between 1991 and 2020. These weather patterns are consistent with a trend of rising temperatures globally, which are largely attributed to increased carbon dioxide emissions and other human activities.
In an effort to combat climate change, 196 members of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted an agreement in 2015 to keep the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. China is among the signatories to this agreement. However, recent reports have shown that global temperatures have already risen by 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to the late 1800s.
Hong Kong has also experienced a significant warming trend, with temperatures rising by 1.7 degrees Celsius by 2022. While this increase does not signify a permanent breach of the critical temperature limit, it serves as a stark warning that climate change is accelerating.
Looking ahead, the Observatory has forecast sunny spells for the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 27 degrees Celsius. However, Tropical Cyclone Yinxing, currently located to the east of the Philippines, is predicted to intensify into a severe typhoon and come within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong by Friday morning.
In conclusion, the record-breaking temperatures in October serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts. As global temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial for governments and individuals to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and work towards a more sustainable future for our planet.
