The first typhoon signal of the year may be issued if tropical depression develops, Observatory says

Hong Kong Observatory has indicated that Number 1 typhoon signal, the first alert of the year may be issued if a tropical depression develops later on Thursday.

“A broad area of low pressure has formed in the central to northern part of the South China Sea, but it is still loosely organised,” said the forecaster.

“According to the present forecast, the area of low pressure may further intensify later today. If it develops into a tropical depression, the Observatory will issue the standby signal No 1.”

There will be showers, thunderstorms and squalls in the region on Friday and Saturday, and offshore winds over Hong Kong will strengthen, the forecaster added.

天文台稱若熱帶低氣壓形成，可能會發出今年首個颱風訊號

香港天文台表示，如果週四晚些時候出現熱帶低氣壓，可能會發出今年第一個颱風訊號。

預報員表示：“南海中部到北部形成了大片低壓區，但組織仍然鬆散。”

「根據目前的預測，今天稍後低壓區可能會進一步加強。 若發展為熱帶低氣壓，天文台會發出一號待命訊號。

預報員補充說，週五和週六該地區將有陣雨、雷暴和狂風，香港上空的離岸風力將增強。