Executive Producer:Ha Kwai Cheong
Since its establishment in 1883, the Hong Kong Observatory has been tasked with forecasting and defending against natural disasters. Recently, with global climate change, the Observatory has become more actively involved in international meteorological efforts.
The Observatory has developed and operates two websites for the WMO, namely the Severe Weather Information Centre and the World Weather Information Service.
It helps the public and relevant institutions to access this information quickly and effectively, allowing for timely action to mitigate disaster.
Since its establishment in 1883, the Hong Kong Observatory has been tasked with forecasting and defending against natural disasters. Recently, with global climate change, the Observatory has become more actively involved in international meteorological efforts. The Observatory has developed and operates two websites for the WMO, namely the Severe Weather Information Centre and the World Weather Information Service. It helps the public and relevant institutions to access this information quickly and effectively, allowing for timely action to mitigate disaster.
When planning trips, many of us are keen to know if it will rain in the next few hours. Although the weather is ever-changing, the “SWIRLS” Nowcasting System developed by the Hong Kong Observatory can provide the fastest and latest weather information, resolving this uncertainty for everyone.
Whenever tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, turbulence, or other severe weather conditions arise, they often jeopardize the safety of nearby flights. The Hong Kong Observatory develop the Regional SIGMET Coordination Platform to facilitate communication among forecasters in neighbouring flight information regions, improving consensus and efficiency to ensure flight safety.
The Hong Kong Observatory develop the “MyFlightWx” app, it is designed exclusively for pilots. “MyFlightWx”app” is the first mobile app developed by an official meteorological organization worldwide and adopted by civil aviation authorities.
Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport is subject to windshear and turbulence due to nearby terrain under various weather conditions, affecting aviation safety. To address this issue, the Hong Kong Observatory has spent years developing monitoring instruments and warning systems, continually enhancing its forecasting capabilities for windshear and turbulence.
The Hong Kong Observatory began upper-air meteorological observations in 1921. It has long used weather balloons for collecting high-quality upper-air climate data, boasting a long history of upper-air meteorological observations. In 2021, the Hong Kong Observatory's upper-air observing station received certification from the WMO as a Centennial Upper-Air Observing Station, making it the first upper-air observing station in the world.