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Weather of January 1997
January 1997 was on the whole warmer and wetter than normal. The monthly mean temperature of 16.7 degrees and total rainfall of 44.6 millimetres were 0.9 degrees and 21.2 millimetres higher than the normal figures of 15.8 degrees and 23.4 millimetres respectively.
The month also saw a total sunshine of 173,6 hours which was 21.2 hours higher than normal.
The fine and sunny weather at the end of 1996 continued into 1997. It turned cloudy and rainy on January 2 as winds freshened from the east. Winds changed to northerly gradually the next evening and rain eased off on January 4.
A weak cold front crossed the south China coast on January 5 bringing fresh northerly winds and drier air to clear the clouds. Winds became easterly on January 6 while the weather remained fine and dry for the next few days.
A hill fire broke out in Fei Ngo Shan on January 7 lasting for 15 hours. Trees in an area of 0.36 million square metres were destroyed.
A replenishment of the winter monsoon reached the south China coastal area on January 8. It remained fine and dry until January 12 when easterly winds returned. Cloudy condition set in and there were light rain patches on January 14. After the passage of a weak cold front on January 15, the weather became fine and sunny during the day.
Another weak cold front brought along generally cloudy condition to the territory again on January 18. It was misty or hazy at times inside the harbour during the next couple of days.
The weather became overcast with rain patches late on January 21. Meanwhile, an intense cold front formed over China and moved southwards.
Winds strengthened from the east early on January 22. A cargo vessel capsized near the Ninepin Group, fortunately all crewmen were rescued. In addition, a scaffolding collapsed in Lam Tin and a sign board in Jordan was blown down in strong winds injuring one person.