Observatory To Offer Weather Tips To Hikers

The observatory is introducing a new service to provide weather information on popular hiking trails.

Hikers can insert data on when and where they want to hike and get an estimate on how much time would be needed to finish the journey, the 7-day weather forecast of the particular route, and the hourly weather forecast there.

The observatory's director, Cheng Cho-ming, said his department is working with the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department to put up QR codes along the trails.

People who scan the codes will get information such as a two-hour rain forecast and a one-hour lightning forecast at the location.

Forecasting the weather ahead, Cheng said this year is expected to be rather hot again after Hong Kong saw the hottest year on record in 2019, with an average temperature 24.5 degrees Celsius.

He said there is a "high chance" that this year will also crack the top ten again, as it's expected to be "above normal". Rainfall is forecast to be normal to below normal.

Cheng said four to seven tropical cyclones are expected to affect Hong Kong this year, with the first coming as early as June.