XN000022-1974-01-14 — Page 7

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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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