The Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Dr Chan Pak-wai, hosted a press briefing on 21 March to give a recap of the weather in 2023 and elaborate on the weather outlook for Hong Kong this year, as well as the Observatory’s latest developments.
Dr Chan highlighted the continual enhancements of the Observatory’s various services. Seizing the opportunities arising through developments in artificial intelligence (AI), the Observatory started using AI-powered weather prediction models on a trial basis in mid-2023, to serve as a reference in preparing weather forecasts and predicting tropical cyclone tracks.
In addition, in October 2023 the Observatory launched products using the Pangu AI weather prediction model on the “Earth Weather” webpage, and extended the forecast range to 15 days, to give the general public early insights regarding forthcoming weather changes. The Observatory plans to further enhance the computer model forecast information on the “Earth Weather” webpage, with forecast products of more computer models as well as weather forecast charts for the upper air. The Observatory will also launch monthly forecasts in the second half of this year, to enhance climate forecast services. The forecast elements include monthly average temperature and total rainfall in tercile categories, i.e. below-normal, near-normal, and above-normal.
Regarding severe weather situations, the Observatory will further enhance the dissemination of information. When the Black Rainstorm Signal is in force, the Observatory will conduct hourly briefings to provide the public with the latest weather information.
Moreover, the Observatory plans to add weather information for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the “MyObservatory” mobile app in the second half of this year, to enable users travelling in the region to receive the latest local weather information. Meanwhile, the “Dr. Tin” chatbot service will be upgraded to support voice functions on “MyObservatory”, making it more convenient for users to enquire about weather information.
Regarding international co-operation, the Observatory will set up a virtual Meteorological Training Centre for Belt and Road Countries by the end of this year, to provide online and in-person training to enhance the capabilities of various regions to respond to hazardous weather and extreme weather events, as well as tackle natural disasters and strengthen resilience. The first training will be a workshop on aviation meteorology science and service development to be held at the end of 2024. It is believed that this project can consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a regional centre for meteorological advancements, and strengthen exchanges and co-operation between Belt and Road regions.
Dr Chan Pak-wai (middle), Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, together with Mr Lee Lap-shun (second from left), Assistant Director of the Observatory (Radiation Monitoring and Assessment); Ms Sandy Song Man-kuen (second from right), Assistant Director of the Observatory (Development, Research and Administration); Mr Chan Sai-tick (first from left), Assistant Director of the Observatory (Aviation Weather Services); and Mr Cheng Yuen-chung (first from right), Acting Assistant Director of the Observatory (Forecasting and Warning Services), hosted the press conference to report on the latest developments of the Hong Kong Observatory.
Clip of the presentation by Dr Chan Pak-wai, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory [in Chinese]
