XN000022-1974-01-14 — Page 8

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Monday, January 14, 1974

An intense and persistent continental anticyclone dominated China

and the neighbouring seas during December and resulted in exceptionally

dry and clear weather in Hong Kong. The month was the sunniest December

since 1939 and the mean relative humidity and dew point for the month

were both the lowest on record for December. On December 31, the relative

humidity fell to a minimum of 14 per cent which was the lowest ever

expereinced for the month. No measurable rainfall was recorded during

December and a Fire Danger Warning was in force every day throughout the

month. The Strong Monsoon Signal was hoisted on three occasions during

the intensification of the northeast Bonsoon.

On December 25 and 26, the minimum temperature recorded at the

Royal Observatory was 7.0 degrees celsius. This made December 25, 1973

the coldest Christmas Day on record and December 26, 1973 the coldest

Boxing Day since 1926.

This year will be remembered for the exceptionally wet and cloudy

summer and the unusually persistent clear and fine weather in November

and December.

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