HKO launches "Weather Information for Outdoor Photography Webpage" beta version

3 March 2016

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) launched the beta version of the "Weather Information for Outdoor Photography Webpage" today (March 3) to provide members of the public with the latest weather information for undertaking outdoor photography.

The "Weather Information for Outdoor Photography Webpage" serves as a portal to provide weather information related to outdoor photography so that photography enthusiasts can better comprehend the weather conditions in planning their activities. In particular, upper-air observations are provided to show the vertical variations of air temperature, dew point temperature, wind speed and wind direction in the lower atmosphere. This is useful for identifying the existence of relatively moist air or temperature inversion etc. in the atmosphere, so as to assess the possibility of the formation of clouds, frost, fog or haze etc. The webpage also shows some fascinating photos of clouds or special weather events taken by the public, as well as the relevant scientific information of some of the weather photos, with a view to promoting public education on meteorology.

The Observatory also enhances its "Regional Weather" webpage by adding real-time air temperatures at Tai Mo Shan and Tate's Cairn automatic weather stations for providing more comprehensive regional weather information to the public. The Tai Mo Shan and Tate's Cairn automatic weather stations are located at high ground with heights over 950 metres and 570 metres above mean sea level respectively. The temperature data at these two sites will help the public take note of the weather condition on high ground for enhancing awareness and taking appropriate precautionary measures.

"Wandering Photography", a renowned local countryside photographic group, highly welcomed the launch of the "Weather Information for Outdoor Photography Webpage" and said, "Taking photos of the scenery of Hong Kong's countryside and capturing interesting weather phenomena require good understanding of the weather conditions. The new webpage provides abundant and essential weather information which is very useful for planning outdoor photographic activities. In addition, the temperature information at Tai Mo Shan and Tate's Cairn are particularly important for those planning to take photographs on the hills. We will make reference to the temperature information each time before setting off to ensure personal safety. We strongly recommend the HKO's new weather information service."

Veteran landscape photographer, Mr Tin Chun-fook, said he would obtain the latest weather information from the HKO's website when planning for outdoor photographic activities, in particular during the capture of sea of clouds. He highly commended HKO's new initiatives to launch the portal and further enhance its regional weather information service.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the "Weather Information for Outdoor Photography Webpage" at: www.hko.gov.hk/out_photo/outdoor_photo.htm. The public can also access the real-time temperature information at Tai Mo Shan and Tate's Cairn automatic weather stations from HKO's Regional Weather webpage (www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/ts/index.htm) and mobile version webpage (m.hko.gov.hk/wxreport/region.htm).

Relevant information has been made available in the iPhone and Android versions of the mobile application "MyObservatory", whereas the version running on Windows platform will be ready in its next update.