Hong Kong has been urged to get ready for a more volatile stretch of weather as El Niño strengthens. Following Typhoon Noul, which brought the city its first No. 9 signal of the year, experts warned that hotter days, heavier rain and more powerful storms could become harder to ignore in the months ahead.
At a media conference held on July 27, Friends of the Earth Hong Kong said the combined impact of a potential Super El Niño and long-term climate change could make extreme weather part of the city’s new normal.
The group cited international forecasts showing an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño between October and December, while National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also expects the event to strengthen through 2026 and has a 97% chance of lasting into early spring 2027.
Former Observatory director Shun Chi-ming warned that Hong Kong could face higher risks of record heat, intense short-duration rainstorms, stronger typhoons and storm surges, even if the total number of tropical cyclones does not necessarily increase.
The concern is not just bad weather. Experts said climate risks now affect drainage, slopes, coastal areas, public health and vulnerable communities. Outdoor workers, elderly residents and grassroots families could be especially exposed during heatwaves, flooding and prolonged hot nights.
Image credits: Bloomberg