Hong Kong Observatory Director Shun Chi-ming has forecast that around four to seven tropical cyclones will come within 500 kilometres of the city this year.
During a press conference this afternoon, Mr Shun also predicted that the first tropical cyclone will likely surface in June, giving people enough time to prepare for it. To improve its forecasting service, the observatory plans to extend the three-day tropical cyclone forecast track to five days.
Reviewing last year's weather, Mr Shun said temperatures from June to November had hit the highest since 1880, while 2014 was also the warmest year recorded globally.
He warned of more record-breaking temperatures in the coming years as a result of global warming and advised people to be prepared and pay attention to the observatory's very hot weather warnings.
Mr Shun added that the department's website will be updated according to the prevailing weather conditions. For example, the typhoon tracking map will be displayed if a typhoon is on the way or the rainfall chart will be featured during heavy rain.
The observatory vowed to continue using the latest weather technology, including its automatic weather station in Yuen Long Park which opened on March 20 and the Tate's Cairn weather radar.
It has also opened a new weather radar station near Brothers Point to monitor windshear - abrupt changes in wind speed or direction - to provide timely alerts for flights operating from Hong Kong International Airport.
