The Hong Kong Observatory has raised its T3 storm warning as a tropical depression edged towards the city, with squally showers and thunderstorms forecast for the weekend.
The Strong Wind Signal No. 3 alert was issued at 4.40 pm, almost 24 hours after the Observatory raised its first typhoon signal of the year on Thursday. The tropical depression is forecast to make landfall along the coast of southern China to the west of Hong Kong late on Friday or early Saturday, with winds expected to strengthen as it approached.
The Observatory warned of “extensive intensive rainbands” to the tropical depression’s south. “Although the tropical depression will move across inland of western Guangdong, the associated rainbands will still affect Hong Kong,” the Observatory said. “There will be heavy showers and strong winds,” it added, meaning another wet weekend for Hongkongers.
The government forecaster urged members of the public to “stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.”
Earlier this month, authorities warned Hongkongers against engaging in thrill-seeking activities during extreme weather – such as storm chasing, hiking or surfing – saying offenders could face jail time and a fine.
Hong Kong was battered by several tropical cyclones last year, including Super Typhoon Saola, which prompted the Observatory to issue its highest storm warning for the first time in five years. A week later, record breaking rainfall drenched the city, causing widespread flooding and landslides.
“Extreme weather can become more frequent because of the climate change,” Observatory Director Chan Pak-wai said. “So Hong Kong citizens are reminded to get prepared for extreme weather, especially pay close attention to the weather forecast and warnings issued by the Observatory and get earlier prepared.”
Friday’s T3 was the earliest one issued in a year since 2016, when an unnamed tropical depression saw the warning raised at 5.40 am on May 27, according to official data. The Observatory has forecast the city could see between five and eight tropical storms that come within 500 kilometres this year.
Typhoon Signal 3
The No. 3 signal warns of strong winds affecting, or expected to affect, Hong Kong within 12 hours.
- Classes of kindergartens and schools for children with physical or intellectual disabilities will be suspended.
- Scheduled ferry services may be cancelled as conditions worsen. Bus and MTR services are not affected.
- Residents should secure loose objects like flower pots or drying racks, and prepare for possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Observatory signals currently in force
- Yellow Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (4 Jan 2026)
Climate crisis
Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space.
