6
Monday, January 14, 1974
The abnormally wet weather of July and August continued during
September. The rainfall recorded was more than 70 per cent above average
while the accumulated total from January 1 up to the end of September
exceeded the annual rainfall of the wettest year, 1889. During the
month. Typhoon 'Marge'and Severe Tropical Storm 'Louise' were the only
two tropical cyclones reported in the western North Pacific and the
South China Sea. Both formed in the vicinity of north Luzon and moved
westwards across the South China Sea causing freshening of winds over
Hong Kong. Two surges of the winter monsoon passed through Hong Kong
and necessitated the hoisting of the Strong Monsoon Signal on September 24
and 27-28.
October was much drier than normal. Only 4.7 mm of rainfall
were recorded during the month, representing less than five per cent of
the average amount for October. On October 28, the relative humidity fell to a minimum of 21 per cent which was the lowest on record for October and was equalled once previously in October 1968.
Four typhoons were reported in the month but only Typhoons 'Nora
and 'Ruth came sufficiently close to affect Hong Kong. The Strong
Monsoon Signal was hoisted on three occasions during outbreaks of cold.
air from the north.
No measurable rainfall was recorded during the first 24 days
of November and the nonth's total rainfall amounted to only 9.3 mm against
the average value of 43.1 During the month, two tropical cyclones
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were reported over, the South China Sea and one near the Philippines but
none affected Hong Kong. Due to dry weather conditions, Fire Danger
Warnings were in operation on 25 days of the month.
An intense
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