The HK Observatory is working with its Guangdong and Macau counterparts to build a lightning location system for the Pearl River Delta area.

HK Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying said the system will be operational next year and will give the observatory detailed information on lightning strikes which will help reduce casualties and damage inflicted by thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, he said the observatory is studying past changes in sea level and also the climate change Hong Kong is likely to face in coming decades, and will announce the findings later this year.

On Hong Kong's weather outlook, Mr Lam said current indications are that no significant El Nino event will develop in the tropical Pacific this year. There is a 60% chance of near normal rainfall, and a 70% chance we will see fewer typhoons.

The observatory plans to disseminate numerical model forecast products generated by its supercomputer on its website soon, and make a PDA version available.

It will also host a symposium on disaster prevention at the end of this month. World-renowned experts have been invited to give keynote speeches. Personnel from related departments and academics in Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland will be participating to exchange experience and strengthen co-operation in disaster mitigation.