Date: December 3, 2024

November 2024 has proven to be a historic month for Hong Kong’s weather, marked by an extraordinary number of tropical cyclones that had a significant impact on the region. For the first time since 1946, the Hong Kong Observatory issued tropical cyclone warning signals as the city faced three powerful storms: Yinxing, Toraji, and Man-yi. This dramatic weather pattern brought not only strong winds but also recorded rainfall levels that shattered previous November averages.

In total, a staggering 194.1 millimeters of rain fell throughout November—this is nearly five times the usual average of 39.3 millimeters! This remarkable figure makes November 2024 the second wettest November in recorded history, narrowly behind the 224.2 millimeters noted in 1914. Adding to the unusualness of the month, the average cloud cover spiked to 71%, far surpassing the typical cloud cover of 58%, leading to cloudier and wetter conditions across southern China.

Initially, November began with dry and warm weather, reaching a high of 30.6 degrees Celsius on the very first day. However, this tranquility was soon disrupted. On November 3, a developing low-pressure area escalated into tropical depression Yinxing, transforming into a super typhoon by November 9. Local weather conditions changed drastically, with heavy cloud cover and frequent showers becoming the norm.

Simultaneously, Typhoon Toraji emerged on November 9, moving towards Luzon and affecting Hong Kong's weather by November 13. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal on the night of November 13, marking this as the latest such issuance in a year since 1946! Unfortunately, the aftermath saw some areas drenched with over 70 millimeters of rain on November 14 and 15 due to the remnants of Toraji.

November continued with relentless rain; on the 20th, various regions saw rainfall exceed 50 millimeters once again. Thankfully, as a cold front passed on November 26, the weather improved, leading to clearer and drier conditions by the month's end. The temperature notably dropped to a low of 16.5 degrees Celsius on the last day of the month, showcasing a stark contrast to earlier warmth.

In total, five tropical cyclones influenced the South China Sea and the western North Pacific throughout November 2024, leaving a lasting mark on Hong Kong’s weather patterns. As climate change increasingly affects weather consistency, meteorologists warn that this could be a sign of more frequent extreme weather scenarios in the years to come. Stay tuned, as the implications of this month’s unprecedented weather could reshape Hong Kong’s climate discussions in the future!