The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning on Saturday morning as thundery showers and strong gusts swept across the city, following the hottest day of the year so far.
The amber alert, the lowest in a three-tier rainstorm warning system, was issued at 10am. It indicates that more than 30mm (1.2 inches) of rain has fallen or is expected to fall within an hour across Hong Kong.
“A broad trough of low pressure is bringing showers and thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong,” the observatory said.
The forecaster added that gusts of around 80km/h (50mph) were recorded at Cheung Chau at about 10.10am.
“Voilent gusts may affect Hong Kong. Seek safe shelter as soon as possible if you are outdoors,” it said.
The unsettled weather follows Friday’s heat, when temperatures rose to 34.6 degrees Celsius (94.3 Fahrenheit) at the Observatory’s headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui, the highest recorded so far this year.
