XN000022-1974-01-14 — Page 5

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Monday, January 14, 1974

The abnormally warm weather of February continued during March.

The main temperature as well as the mean maximum and minimum temperatures

for the month were all second highest on record for March, while the

maximum temperature of 30.1 degrees celsius, recorded on the last day of

the month, was the highest ever recorded in any March. The month was dry

with a total rainfall of only 13.3 mm. The Strong Monsoon Signal was

hoisted twice as a result of the arrival of two monsoon surges. For the

first half of the month, Hong Kong was under the influence of a warmı

and moist airstream from the South China Sea and the weather was mainly

cloudy and humid with light rain patches and coastal fog. However, drier

air from the north affected Hong Kong during the remainder of the month

and Fire Danger Warnings were issued on two occasions during this period.

April was also warn and dry. The mean temperature of 24 degroes

celsius was the highest on record for the month and was equalled only

once before in April 1964. The Strong Monsoon Signal was hoisted on three

occasions, twice to warn of strong northeast winds and once to warn of

strong southwestorlies.

Thunderstorms were reported on several days

and a hailstorm occurred over the northwestern part of the New Territories

on April 7. Warm and humid air from the southeast caused mist and fog

patches over Hong Kong for eight days and resulted in the diversion of

23 aircraft.

May was wetter and hotter than usual with rainfall more than

75 por cent above average. During the month there were only two days on

which no rainfall was recorded at the Royal Observatory. Cold fronts

from the north and troughs over the South China Sea brought heavy rain

and widespread thunderstorms and Thunderstorm and/or Heavy Rain Warnings

were issued on ten days.

/In June,