F 3
Typhoons.-The tracks of 16 typhoons and 4 of the principal depressions which occurred in the Far East in 1920 are given in two plates in the Monthly Meteorological Bulletin for December, 1920. The most noteworthy, as affecting Hongkong, were those of July 10-23 and July 29-31. The former apparently formed to the east of Luzon on July 10th, moved slowly NNW till the 13th, then more rapidly in a northerly direction until the 15th when it curved to westward and entered the coast near Wenchow on the morning of the 16th. It finally filled up in the Gulf of Tong King on the 23rd. Strong SW winds occurred at Hongkong from the 16th to 19th.
This storm was remarkable as being the only typhoon to enter the Eastern Sea in 1920, and for its long duration over the land.
The typhoon of July 29-31 formed in about latitude 17° N and longitude 115° E. Moving in a NNW direction it entered the coast about 70 miles to the west of Macao at about noon on the 31st. It caused a strong easterly gale at Hongkong.
p.m.
A violent typhoon, of small diameter and abnormal track, formed to the west of Manila in the forenoon of August 31 and passed a few miles to the north of the Manila Observatory between 7 and 8. For the track of this typhoon I am indebted to the courtesy of the Director of the Philippines Weather Bureau, who states that it was the worst typhoon experienced in Manila since September, 1905.
IV. PUBLICATIONS.
Daily Weather Report and Map.-A weather map of the Far East for 6 a.m. of the 120th meridian, and the Daily Weather Report (containing meteorological observations, usually at 6h. and 14h., from about 40 stations in China, Indo-China, Japan, the Philippines, and Borneo) and daily weather forecasts for Hongkong to Gap Rock, the Formosa Channel, the south coast of China between Hongkong and Lamocks, and between Hongkong and Hainan, were issued as in former years. Copies of the map were exhibited on notice boards at the Hongkong Ferry Piers, Blake Pier, and the Harbour Office. One copy was sent daily to the Director of the Meteorological Observatory, Macao. Forty copies of the Daily Weather Report were distributed to various offices, etc., in the Colony, and a copy was sent daily to the Director of the Meteorological Observatory, Macao. Copies were sent every week to the Hydrographic Office, Bangkok.
A charge of $10 a year is made for supplying private firms and individuals with the Daily Weather Report, and $36 for the Weather Map. No maps were published on February 1, 4, March 7, 10, 13, April 15, 18, June 6, 8, July 18, September 5, and October 10, owing to the late arrival of the weather telegrams. On many other occasions the map, though published, contained but meagre information.