You've probably seen the alerts popping up on your phone. Or maybe you just noticed the sky looking a bit "off" over the harbor this morning. Honestly, everyone in the city starts checking the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) the second they hear the word "tropical storm," and today is no different.
But here is the thing.
The hong kong typhoon today situation isn't actually a direct hit—at least not yet. While there is a lot of chatter about Tropical Storm Nokaen, the reality on the ground in Tsim Sha Tsui or Central is currently much more about a dry monsoon than a lashing rainstorm.
The Reality of Tropical Storm Nokaen Right Now
At this very moment, Severe Tropical Storm Nokaen is hanging out over the seas east of the Philippines. It’s about 380 kilometers east of Manila. That sounds far, right? It is. But in the world of meteorology, "lingering" is a word that makes people nervous.
The HKO has been tracking it moving north slowly. For us in Hong Kong, the immediate impact isn't a T8 signal. It's actually a Red Fire Danger Warning.
Why?
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Because we are stuck between two different weather systems. While Nokaen is churning out in the Pacific, a dry northeast monsoon is dominating the Guangdong coast. It’s warm. It’s very dry. Humidity has dipped to about 30% in some spots.
So, if you were hoping for a "typhoon holiday" today, I’ve got bad news for you. You’re more likely to need lip balm and a moisturizer than a raincoat.
Why January Typhoons Feel So Weird
Most of us associate typhoons with the sweltering humidity of July or the sudden chaos of September. Seeing a severe tropical storm active in mid-January feels fundamentally wrong.
It's rare.
Usually, the cold winter monsoon pushes these systems away or tears them apart before they get anywhere near the South China Sea. However, the track for Nokaen is being watched closely because the atmosphere is behaving a bit strangely this week.
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What the Hong Kong Observatory is Telling Us
The HKO issued their latest bulletin at 11 p.m., noting that while Nokaen is intensifying, it’s basically stuck. It's "lingering."
- Current Location: 14.6 degrees north, 124.5 degrees east.
- Movement: Slow and northward.
- Local Signal: No tropical cyclone signal is currently in force for Hong Kong.
Instead of worrying about gale-force winds today, you should be looking at next Tuesday. That is when an intense winter monsoon is expected to hit southern China.
The HKO forecast suggests temperatures will drop appreciably. We are talking about going from a comfortable 23°C down to a chilly 12°C in just a couple of days.
This is the classic Hong Kong "switch." One day you’re in a t-shirt watching a distant storm on the radar, and the next you’re digging out the Uniqlo down jacket because the wind is cutting through the skyscrapers like a knife.
Don't Let the "Nokaen" Headlines Scare You
If you see sensational headlines about a hong kong typhoon today, take a breath.
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Unless the storm makes a sudden, dramatic turn and defeats the massive high-pressure system currently keeping us dry, it isn’t going to ruin your weekend plans. The Met Office and other international trackers agree that the "dry northeast monsoon" is the real boss of our weather right now.
The wind might get a bit "fresh" on high ground—think Force 6 if you’re hiking Sunset Peak—but for most of the city, it’s just a breezy, sunny Saturday.
How to Prepare (The Real Way)
Since there's no T3 or T8 on the horizon for the next 24 hours, your preparation should be focused on the dry spell and the upcoming cold snap.
- Watch the Fire Danger Warning. It’s Red. That means things catch fire easily. If you’re hiking in the New Territories, be extremely careful.
- Hydrate. The 30% humidity is enough to give you a headache by noon.
- Check the "MyObservatory" app on Monday night. That’s when the wind from the winter monsoon—not the typhoon—will start to pick up.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours
Stop scrolling through "storm chaser" Twitter and focus on the actual data from the HKO.
Keep an eye on the 9-Day Weather Forecast. The real story isn't the rain; it's the cold front arriving Tuesday. Make sure your heavier bedding is ready. If you have elderly relatives living in older buildings, check in on them before Wednesday, as the temperature drop will be sudden.
Stay updated by checking the official Hong Kong Observatory website every six hours if you're truly worried about Nokaen's track, but for today, enjoy the sun. It’s a beautiful, dry day in the city—just don't forget your lotion.