GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
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rain was recorded on every day during the first half of the month. The daily total was well above an inch for several consecutive days during this period and the downpour reached its maximum on 12th June, when continuous violent thunderstorms and showers caused landslides, flooding and considerable damage. In the 24 hours ending at noon on the 12th, a total of 401.2 mm (15.80 inches) of rain was recorded at the Royal Observatory; the highest daily rainfall for June and equal to the normal amount of rainfall for the whole month. The maximum fall on that day, however, occurred near Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, where 157.0 mm (6.18 inches) was recorded in the hour between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m.
In July three tropical cyclones passed sufficiently close to neces- sitate the hoisting of local storm signals. They were severe tropical storms Lola, Mamie and Ora. Lola formed about 460 miles south- east of Hong Kong on 12th July and moved steadily north-west- wards. It was closest to Hong Kong during the evening of 13th July when the centre passed about 10 miles south of Aberdeen. Gale force winds were experienced in all parts of the Colony with a maximum gust of 82 knots recorded at the observatory. A total of 160.0 mm (6.30 inches) of rain was recorded during the passage of this storm. Following almost immediately after Lola, severe tropical storm Mamie passed about 55 miles south-east of Hong Kong on the 17th, with a west-north-westerly track. The circulation of the storm was, however, relatively small and gales were experi- enced over the Colony for only a relatively short period. Ora was an exceptionally large storm and formed about 390 miles south of Hong Kong on the 24th. Moving on a north-westerly course, it passed about 210 miles west-south-west of the Colony on the 26th, producing strong winds and frequent squally showers.
August was hot and dry, with the lowest mean cloud amount ever recorded for the month. Measurable rain was recorded on only nine days and the monthly rainfall was significantly below average. Severe tropical storm Susan formed about 360 miles south-east of Hong Kong on 12th August and moved slowly north-north-west. However, it turned to a more easterly direction on the 15th and did not affect the Colony. There were heavy showers and thunder- storms on 18th August when 125.9 mm (4.96 inches) of rain were recorded, but the weather improved towards the end of the month.