HKO issues city's first Standby Signal No. 1 of the year

The Hong Kong Observatory issues the city's first Standby Signal No. 1 of the year, which will remain in effect at least until noon on Friday.

The forecaster says it will assess the need to hoist the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal tomorrow depending on wind conditions.

Many districts in Hong Kong sweltered today under the influence of the high-pressure subtropical ridge.

Undeterred by the heat, some jogged along the Central Pier.

Churning around the central South China Sea, the tropical cyclone has entered within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and will gradually intensify, moving generally toward Hainan Island, while maintaining a distance of 500 kilometres or more from Hong Kong.

Dr. LAM HOK-YIN Acting Senior Scientific Officer, HKO: "With the tropical cyclone edging close to the coast of southern China tomorrow, local winds offshore and on high ground are expected to strengthen. The weather will become unsettled gradually. There will be more squally showers."

The forecaster expects offshore winds in Hong Kong to reach force 6 tomorrow and Saturday, and reminds the public to stay away from the shoreline.

Due to an active southerly airstream, winds along the Guangdong coast will remain quite strong until early next week, with occasional heavy showers.

The mercury will see a slight dip.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Macao, the No. 1 typhoon signal is also expected to remain in force throughout the day.

The enclave saw scorching heat in the morning.

Winds are expected to gradually strengthen tomorrow, with more frequent showers.