First we froze, now we’re soaked – Hong Kong is suffering its wettest January since records began in 1884.
Up to Thursday and with three days remaining before the month ends, a total of 233.8mm of rainfall was recorded in the city, surpassing the previous record of 214.3mm reported in 1887, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
People shelter from the rain in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Felix Wong
The amount is also more than double that for the third rainiest January, when 110.2mm was recorded in 1925.
The Observatory said the high rainfall was partly attributed to the El Nino event, which started in May 2014. It said the phenomenon brought more winter precipitation to the city.
The average monthly rainfall in winter ranges between 64mm and 147mm, and the El Nino event could bring a higher amount.
Pedestrians shield themselves with umbrellas in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Felix Wong
More rain is expected in the remaining days of the month.
The Observatory forecast that Friday would see occasional heavy rain. Sunny periods are expected on Saturday but Sunday is expected to be cloudy with a few patches of rain.
