More than 1,000 lightning strokes were recorded over the territory between 4pm and 5pm today, while hail was reported at Tsing Yi around 5pm, the Hong Kong Observatory says.

The Observatory said scattered squally thunderstorms are expected to occur over Hong Kong. Gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour were recorded at Black Point around 4.30pm, and are expected to continue affecting the territory.

Thunder showers are affecting the coastal areas of Guangdong and the northeastern part of the South China Sea.

An area of low pressure to the east of the Philippines has intensified into a tropical depression. At 4pm, the tropical depression was centred about 510 kilometres north of Yap. It is forecast to move north at about 10 kilometres per hour in the general direction of the seas south of Japan.

There will be some showers with a few squally thunderstorms for tonight and tomorrow, with sunny periods during the day. Temperatures will range between 26 and 32 degrees, with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds, occasionally strong at first.

Over the weekend, there will be some showers. Weather will mainly be fine early next week.

Precaution advice

The Observatory advises the public to take the following precautions when thunderstorms occur:

*stay indoors, and seek shelter inside if engaging in outdoor activities;

*do not stand on high ground and keep away from highly conductive objects, such as trees or masts;

*take precautions against violent gusts, beware of flying debris and falling objects; and,

*drivers using highways and flyovers should reduce speed and be alert to violent gusts.