Observatory launches trial "Extended Outlook" forecast service

29 June 2017

The Hong Kong Observatory launched the trial version of the Extended Outlook forecast service today (June 29) to provide probability forecasts of daily minimum and maximum temperatures for the next 14 days. This will enable the public to keep track of the temperature trend.

The time series probability forecasts of daily minimum and maximum temperatures are shown on the Extended Outlook (beta version) webpage. Different colours indicate the probability of occurrence of temperatures, with dark red meaning the highest probability. The information will be updated every day at around noon. The temperature probability forecasts are automatically generated based on post-processing of forecasts from the ensemble forecast system of the computer weather model.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, Ms Irene Leung, welcomed the Observatory’s new service in providing a two-week temperature probability forecast. She said, “Weather changes have significant effects on elderly people’s health. The new forecast service allows the elderly and their care-givers to get prepared for the weather changes, giving them peace of mind.”

The Observatory will progressively expand the Extended Outlook forecast service to include other weather information, including tropical cyclone tracks and wind strength.

Members of public can access the Extended Outlook (beta version) webpage from the Observatory’s homepage, or via the following link: www.weather.gov.hk/probfcst/tempfcst.htm; and visit the mobile version of the webpage at: www.hko.gov.hk/m/probfcst/tempfcst.htm.

Figure 1. Time series probability forecast of minimum temperature

Figure 2. Time series probability forecast of maximum temperature