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It was hot in July 1996. The mean temperature of 29.2 degrees and the absolute maximum of 34.3 degrees ranked the sixth and ninth highest respectively on record for July. Occasional showers and thunderstorms affected the territory but the monthly rainfall of 230.3 millimetres was still 29 per cent below normal. During the second half of the month, two tropical cyclones, namely Frankie and Gloria necessitated the hoisting of the Stand By Signal No. 1.
August was cloudier than normal and there were nine days with thunderstorms. The weather was unstable from August 14 to 18 with rainfall amounting to 206.1 millimetres. Torrential rain on August 15 caused flooding in many places. The Stand By Signal No. 1 was hoisted on two occasions during the approach of tropical cyclones Lisa and Niki.
The total rainfall of 604 millimetres recorded in September 1996 was the sixth highest for the month and was more than twice the normal figure of 299.7 millimetres. Typhoon Sally rapidly traversed the northern part of the South China Sea, bringing thundery and frequent squally showers to Hong Kong and the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal was hoisted early on September 9. Gales were recorded at Waglan and Cheung Chau with the maximum hourly winds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour.
October was warmer and drier than normal. The mean temperature of 26 degrees was the sixth highest for October. With only 44.8 millimetres recorded, the monthly rainfall was 69 per cent below normal.
With less frequent continental cold air affecting Hong Kong, November was warmer than normal. The mean minimum temperature of 21.1 degrees was the highest for November. The month was also rather dry with 3.5 millimetres of rainfall recorded against a normal of 35.1 millimetres.
December was generally fine and dry. Only a trace of rainfall was recorded and Fire Danger Warnings were in effect on 27 days in the month.
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