Hong Kong experienced the driest July on record last month. The 101.8 millimetres of rain recorded was less than a third of July's normal figure of 323.5 millimetres.

July was also warmer than usual with a monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius, equalling 1993's record high.

With a strong ridge of high pressure dominating over southern China, sunny weather persisted in Hong Kong for the first 19 days.

The Very Hot Weather Warning was in force for 14 days. The intense heat triggered the development of isolated but heavy showers. Waterspouts and funnel clouds were reported on July 1, 6 and 9.

On July 20, the first tropical cyclone warning in the year was issued. Severe Tropical Storm Koni skirted about 530 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong the next day, bringing occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms to Hong Kong in the evening. 

Another Standby Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal was issued on July 22 when Typhoon Imbudo came within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong that evening.

The first Number 3 and later the Number 8 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal of the year were issued on July 23. 

With the establishment of a ridge of high pressure along southern China, mainly fine and hot weather with some isolated showers returned on July 26. 

Fine and hot weather persisted to the end of the month. On July 31, waterspouts and funnel clouds were observed over the sea to the southwest of the Hong Kong International Airport.

Two tropical cyclones occurred in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in the month.