Abstract:
Hong Kong is a coastal city in southern China. In the 19 century, Hong Kong’s shipping industry had been well developed, serving as an important entrepot in the region. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) was established in 1883. Early operations of the Observatory were all related to the shipping industry at the time, including meteorological observations and tropical cyclone warning service. The Observatory has been conducting meteorological measurements at its Headquarters in Tsimshatsui since 1884. The long-term weather observations document the variations of climate in Hong Kong caused by global climate change and local urbanization. In 2017, the HKO Headquarters received the World Meteorological Organization’s recognition as one of the first batches of centennial observing stations in the world. In more than a century, the Observatory’s services have evolved in pace with the increasing expectations and requirements of the modern society. During the period, the Observatory made use of advanced technologies from time to time in tandem with its operational developments. Looking ahead, the Observatory will further strengthen the cooperation with meteorological authorities in mainland China and the Greater Bay Area, playing the role of connecting the world to promote close meteorological cooperations regionally and internationally, and improving the ability to prevent natural disasters and respond to emergencies.