Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Records Warmest Winter on Record
3/3/2026, 10:53:11 PM
Overview of the Core Event
Hong Kong has officially recorded its warmest winter from December 2025 to February 2026, with a mean temperature of 19.3 degrees Celsius (67 Fahrenheit), which is two degrees above the normal average. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reported that February 2026 was particularly warm, with a mean temperature of 20.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above the norm. This unprecedented warmth is attributed to a weaker-than-normal northeast monsoon affecting southern China during this period.
Temperature Records and Weather Patterns
The HKO noted that the mean maximum temperature for the winter season reached 21.9 degrees Celsius, the highest on record, while the mean minimum temperature of 17.3 degrees Celsius was the second-highest recorded. The winter season saw only five cold days, marking the joint third-lowest number of such days since records began in 1884. February 2026 also set records with a maximum temperature of 26.9 degrees Celsius on February 15, coinciding with Chinese New Year's Eve, and a minimum temperature of 22.0 degrees Celsius on February 16.
Rainfall Statistics
Despite the warm temperatures, February recorded slightly above-average rainfall, totaling 41.6 millimeters, which is about 7 percent higher than the normal of 38.9 millimeters. However, the accumulated rainfall for January and February was significantly below average at 44.8 millimeters, approximately 38 percent less than the normal of 71.9 millimeters for the same period.
Climate Change Context
The rising temperatures in Hong Kong align with global climate trends, as evidenced by 2025 being the city's sixth hottest year on record, with all months experiencing above-average temperatures. The HKO reported a total of 20 record-breaking weather events in 2025, including the highest absolute maximum temperature for June and the highest total daily rainfall for August. A study highlighted that climate change is increasingly affecting Hong Kong's water cycle, leading to drier conditions in a city historically known for its wet climate.
Criticism and Opposition
Some environmental experts have raised concerns regarding the implications of these temperature increases and changing weather patterns. They argue that the data underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming, which is exacerbating weather extremes and altering local ecosystems.
Official Statements
The Hong Kong Observatory emphasized the significance of these temperature records, stating, “Together with the well above normal temperatures in December 2025 and warmer than usual weather in January 2026, Hong Kong experienced the warmest winter on record.” The Observatory's findings reflect broader climatic shifts that are increasingly impacting urban areas.
What's Next
As Hong Kong continues to experience unusual weather patterns, further studies and monitoring will be essential to understand the long-term implications of these changes. The HKO is expected to release additional reports on climate trends and their potential impacts on the region in the coming months.
