Hong Kong braces for heat, showers as tropical depression passes nearby

Forecaster says typhoon warning unlikely, as tropical depression shows limited strengthening and weak northern convection

Hong Kong’s weather forecaster is monitoring a tropical depression that has formed within 800km (497 miles) of the city, but says it is unlikely to issue a typhoon warning signal.

The Hong Kong Observatory said on Thursday that an area of low pressure over the northeastern part of the South China Sea had intensified into a tropical depression, which was centred about 530km south-southwest of Kaohsiung and expected to move towards the vicinity of Taiwan.

It is forecast to move northeast on Thursday and Friday, maintaining a distance of about 500km or more from Hong Kong.

The Observatory said the tropical depression was expected to strengthen slightly, but convection over its northern side would remain relatively weak.

“Unless the tropical depression intensifies significantly or tracks closer to the Pearl River Estuary, the chance of issuing a tropical cyclone warning signal is rather low,” it said.

It also warned that extremely hot weather was expected in parts of the city on Thursday and Friday, with high temperatures likely to trigger showers.