ENG-2007 — Page 343

The Environment | 287

cent of the power generated by the Guangdong Nuclear Power Station at Daya Bay, which has two 984 MW pressurised water reactors, to meet part of the longer-term demand for electricity in its supply area.

CLP Power also has the right to use up to 50 per cent of the 1 200MW capacity of Phase 1 of the Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station, at Conghua. Off-peak period electricity from the CAPCO system and the Guangdong Nuclear Power Station is stored in the pumped storage power station, which generates hydro-electricity to meet Hong Kong's demand during peak periods.

There are regulations under the Electricity Ordinance governing the registration of electrical contractors and workers and competent persons, safety of electrical wiring, supply of safe household electrical products as well as protection of electricity supply lines from third party damage.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. About 80 per cent of the annual rainfall occurs between May and September. August is the wettest month while January is the driest.

November and December are generally regarded as the best months of the year with pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold fronts bringing in cold northerly winds. Temperatures may drop below 10 degrees Celsius in urban areas.

March and April may be mild and pleasant but humid with occasional fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31 degrees.

Tropical cyclones usually affect Hong Kong between June and October. The close approach of tropical cyclones could bring high winds and heavy and widespread rain. Landslips and flooding sometimes cause considerably more damage than the winds.

The Year's Weather

2007 was the fifth warmest year since

warmest year since Hong Kong started recording temperatures in 1884. The annual mean temperature of 23.7 degrees was 0.7 degree higher than normal. A hot spell in late July and early August necessitated the issuance of the Very Hot Weather Warning for 13 consecutive days. The year was also dry. The annual rainfall of 1 706 millimetres was about 23 per cent below the norm.

Only two tropical cyclones affected Hong Kong in 2007, much fewer than the normal six or seven.

Meteorological Services

Hong Kong Observatory

Established in 1883, the Hong Kong Observatory provides a wide range of meteorological services in weather forecasting, climatology, hydrometeorology, physical oceanography, and radiation monitoring and assessment. The observatory