The Hong Kong Observatory warns that Hong Kong is likely to experience record-high temperatures this year and next, driven by both climate change and forecast sea-warming in the equatorial Pacific. In its latest outlook, the Observatory says sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are expected to continue rising, developing into an El Niño event over the summer. Multiple climate models considered by the Observatory indicate the event could be unusually strong, described as a potential “super-strong” El Niño, with the possibility of reaching the highest levels on record.
While the outlets highlight the El Niño risk, they also stress that rising background temperatures linked to climate change increases the likelihood that heat records will be broken. The Observatory’s warning covers not only the current year but also extends into the following year, reflecting expectations that the combined effects of ongoing ocean warming and broader climatic trends will keep temperatures elevated. The forecasts underline that the timing and intensity of El Niño are factors, but the overall risk of exceptionally hot conditions for Hong Kong is considered high.
