Occurrence and significance of thunderstorms in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is situated on the south China coast and is located right in the western Pacific typhoon belt. It is frequently subjected to the devastating effect of cyclonic wind. To address this issue, the Hong Kong wind code is written to cater for the tropical cyclone wind. Buildings and structures in Hong Kong are well designed for loadings induced by such winds. There is also the tropical cyclone warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory prior to the arrival of a tropical cyclone and in general people are familiar with the damaging effects of tropical cyclones and due precautions are taken. Thunderstorm is also common in Hong Kong. In the summer months there are on the average more than five thunderstorm days. The gust during thunderstorms can be very strong. Over the years damages to property and life caused by thunderstorm wind have been reported. Thunderstorm warning is also issued by the Hong Kong Observatory; however members of public in general do not often pay attention to the potential hazards of gusts and squalls associated with thunderstorms. The objective of this study is to investigate the significance of thunderstorm winds in terms of its occurrence and magnitude. Result of the study indicates that thunderstorm plays an important role in the wind climate of Hong Kong. The ranking and number of thunderstorm gusts in the higher gusts in a year are significant. The geographic influence on thunderstorm wind is also studied.