The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) issued a series of special weather alerts between midnight and dawn on 29 July, warning that a broad trough of low pressure could dump intense, squally downpours across the territory throughout the morning commute. A thunderstorm warning was in force until at least 07:30, and the HKO said it may escalate to an amber or red rainstorm signal if hourly rainfall exceeds 30 mm or 50 mm respectively. Airport Authority Hong Kong told airlines overnight that ground-handling activities could be halted if lightning density rises, potentially causing knock-on delays to early-morning departures as well as ferry links to Macau and the Pearl River Delta. The MTR Corporation also cautioned that heavy rain could slow services on exposed sections of the Airport Express and Tuen Ma lines. Although no flights had been cancelled as of 06:00, carriers including Cathay Pacific and HK Express advised passengers to check mobile apps and register for SMS updates before heading to the airport. Under international aviation rules, aircraft cannot refuel or board passengers when lightning is detected within an 8-km radius of the apron—a restriction that recently stranded thousands during Typhoon Noul. Companies with staff travelling on 29 July should review contingency plans, allowing extra transfer time to the airport and verifying that employees have travel-insurance coverage for weather-related delays. Firms running regional meetings may wish to switch to virtual formats if attendees are flying in via Hong Kong this morning. The Observatory expects the trough to weaken later in the day but says unfavourable conditions could linger into Thursday; mobility managers should continue to monitor HKO bulletins and airline advisories.
Source: HK01
