Hong Kong Observatory lifts amber rain warning, 5,700 lightning strikes recorded
Over 5,700 lightning strikes in two hours as squally thunderstorms persist.
The Hong Kong Observatory lifted the amber rainstorm warning at 11:30am on Saturday, just 90 minutes after it was issued, but cautioned that squally showers and thunderstorms would continue to affect the city in the coming days. The amber alert, the lowest in the three-tier system, is triggered when more than 30mm (1.2 inches) of rain falls, or is expected to fall, within an hour. Between 9am and 11am, the observatory recorded over 5,700 lightning strikes, of which 1,810 were cloud-to-ground. Winds of about 80km/h (50mph) were recorded in Cheung Chau, and the forecaster warned of possible violent gusts and urged anyone outdoors to seek shelter.
This unsettled weather follows Friday's extreme heat, when temperatures reached 34.6 degrees Celsius (94.3°F) at the Observatory's headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui—the highest recorded so far this year. Despite the cancellation of the warning, the Observatory emphasized that people should remain alert to dangers from river flooding. The rapid transition from intense heat to severe thunderstorms highlights the volatile weather pattern affecting Hong Kong, with residents advised to stay updated and take precautions during outdoor activities.
- Amber rainstorm warning lifted 90 minutes after issuance, but thunderstorms and squally showers persist.
- Over 5,700 lightning strikes recorded in two hours; 1,810 were cloud-to-ground.
- Winds reached 80km/h in Cheung Chau; Friday's peak temperature was 34.6°C, the highest this year.
Why It Matters
Hong Kong faces volatile weather shifts from record heat to severe storms, impacting public safety and daily activities.