Hong Kong Issues Highest-Level Rainstorm Warning Amid Record-Breaking Downpour

On August 5, 2025, Hong Kong experienced its heaviest August rainfall since records began in 1884, with over 350 millimeters of rain falling by mid-afternoon. The torrential downpour led the Hong Kong Observatory to issue its highest-level "black" rainstorm warning, marking the fourth such warning in just eight days.

The intense rainfall caused significant disruptions across the city. Streets were flooded, and staircases transformed into waterfalls. Major hospitals reported ankle-deep water outside their entrances, prompting the closure of clinics throughout the city. The severe weather also led to the suspension of schools, courts, and parts of the transport network. Speed limits on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were reduced due to low visibility.

In neighboring Guangdong province, deadly flash floods resulted in fatalities and prompted large-scale rescue operations. Several rivers in the region approached dangerous levels, raising concerns about potential flooding. Meteorologists have linked the extreme weather conditions to climate change, highlighting the increasing challenges posed by such events.

Despite the widespread disruptions, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained operational, adhering to a policy change that allows trading to continue regardless of weather conditions. Airports across the region reported cancellation rates of around 20%, while Hong Kong Disneyland announced it remained open, with its daily "Friendtastic! Parade" still scheduled to take place later in the day.

This event underscores the growing impact of extreme weather events in the region and the need for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure to mitigate such challenges.