Hong Kong is unlikely to see a typhoon warning signal issued this weekend despite the presence of tropical cyclones in the region, according to the city’s weather authorities. However, severe weather conditions near Japan have already disrupted air travel, leading to multiple flight cancellations.
The Hong Kong Typhoon Update comes as Tropical Cyclone Kujira and Typhoon Dolphin continue to move across parts of East Asia. Weather officials said neither storm currently poses a significant direct threat to Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that Kujira is expected to remain over the central South China Sea near the Philippine island of Luzon.
Forecasters said the tropical cyclone would stay at least 700 kilometers away from Hong Kong, reducing the likelihood of direct impacts on the city.
According to the Observatory, the storm is expected to weaken as it interacts with Typhoon Dolphin, which continues moving westward.
Meteorologists explained that Dolphin’s influence is likely to alter Kujira’s path, pushing it eastward toward Luzon and reducing its strength over the coming days.
As a result, weather officials believe the possibility of issuing the Standby Signal No. 1 remains low.
The Observatory stated that a warning signal would only become more likely if Kujira unexpectedly changed direction and moved closer to the Guangdong coastline.
Current forecasts suggest that scenario is unlikely.
While Hong Kong is expected to avoid severe storm conditions, Typhoon Dolphin continues to affect areas farther north.
Dolphin was previously classified as a super typhoon before weakening into a severe typhoon earlier this week.
At its strongest, the storm generated maximum sustained winds of approximately 240 kilometers per hour.
The system has since weakened, with sustained winds decreasing to around 175 kilometers per hour.
Despite the reduction in strength, Dolphin remains a powerful weather system as it moves toward Okinawa and the East China Sea.
The storm’s approach to Okinawa has disrupted transportation services and prompted airlines to adjust schedules.
At least 22 flights between Hong Kong and Japan have been cancelled because of the severe weather threat.
Budget airline HK Express announced the cancellation of 12 flights operating between Hong Kong and Okinawa.
The carrier also cancelled two flights between Hong Kong and Ishigaki.
All of the affected services were code-share flights operated in partnership with Cathay Pacific Airways.
Greater Bay Airlines also announced disruptions to its Okinawa services.
The airline cancelled four flights scheduled to operate between Hong Kong and Okinawa on Friday and Saturday.
Hong Kong Airlines similarly suspended four flights on the same route during the affected period.
In addition to cancellations, Hong Kong Airlines adjusted the departure times of two flights scheduled for Thursday.
The airline moved both services approximately three hours earlier than originally planned in an effort to reduce weather-related disruptions.
While travelers to Japan face continued uncertainty, weather conditions in Hong Kong are expected to improve significantly over the weekend.
The Observatory forecast mostly sunny and hot weather after an unusually wet July.
Officials noted that the influence of Dolphin’s outer circulation is expected to gradually weaken, allowing more stable weather to develop across the city.
However, forecasters warned that high temperatures could still trigger isolated thunderstorms, particularly in inland areas.
Weather data released by the Observatory showed that Hong Kong received 790.3 millimeters of rainfall during July.
That figure was more than double the average rainfall normally recorded during the month.
The city also experienced significantly reduced sunshine, with total sunshine hours about 38 percent below the usual level.
Typhoon Dolphin holds special significance for Hong Kong because it was named after the Chinese white dolphins that inhabit local waters.
The storm has become one of the strongest weather systems in the region this season.
The latest Hong Kong Typhoon Update indicates that local residents are unlikely to face severe tropical cyclone conditions this weekend.
However, authorities continue to monitor both Kujira and Dolphin closely as weather patterns can change rapidly.
Travelers heading to Japan are advised to check with airlines for the latest schedule updates and monitor official weather information before departure.
