XN000022-1973-01-20 — Page 9

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Saturday, January 20, 1973

The rainy season started in early May when a trough of low

pressure in the South China Sea brought moist air to Hong Kong,

Rain was recorded on 27 days of the month with the total

rainfall amounting to more than twice the normal value.

In July, strong winds were experienced in Hong Kong during

the passage of Typhoon "Susan".

Since records began in 1884, "Susan" was the first tropical

cyclone which has remained within 200 miles of Hong Kong for more

than 5 days,

August was wet with rainfall about 50 percent above normal.

September was warm and the mean monthly pressure of 1011.3 mb

was the highest on record for the month.

October was much drier than usual and the total rainfall for

the month was 63 percent below normal.

A Yellow Fire Warning was issued on October 21, when the

relative humidity dropped below 65 percent. This was the first warning

issued since the introduction of the new Fire Warning System on October 9.

In November, Typhoon "Pamela" became the sixth tropical

cyclone to affect Hong Kong since records began in 1884.

Cloudy conditions with periods of rain persisted through the

middle of November, Fire danger warnings were issued on six occasions.

December was slightly cloudier than usual, There were several

outbreaks of cold dry northerly air during the month, alternating with

periods of warm and relatively humid weather.

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