Weather and Seasons
FoundationHong Kong has four different seasons; check the forecast before going out — a hat on sunny days, an umbrella on rainy days, and stay home in typhoons.
- Check the weather report and symbols before going out.
- Dress by temperature: short sleeves when hot, a coat when cold.
- Hong Kong's seasons: wet spring, hot summer with typhoons, dry autumn, cool winter.
文體小知識：說明文介紹天氣符號和四季變化，讀完可以自己看懂天氣報告。
§Text Passage
1Before leaving home each morning, check the weather report. The Observatory tells us today's temperature and humidity, and shows the weather with symbols: a sun for sunny, clouds for cloudy, an umbrella for rain.
2Hong Kong has four seasons. Spring is warm and humid with light drizzles; summer is hot, with thunderstorms in the afternoon and sometimes typhoons; autumn is dry and cool, great for outings; winter is chilly, so wear an extra coat.
3Weather changes what we do: on sunny days play in the park, but wear a hat and drink plenty of water; on rainy days take an umbrella and wear non-slip shoes; when the amber, red or black rainstorm warning is up, school may be cancelled and we stay somewhere safe at home.
4When a typhoon comes, the Observatory issues typhoon signals. At signal number eight or above, schools and offices close; everyone stays indoors and away from windows. Learn to read the weather report and be ready — then no weather can scare you.
1Summary 重點摘要
Hong Kong has four different seasons; check the forecast before going out — a hat on sunny days, an umbrella on rainy days, and stay home in typhoons.
2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary
The condition of the sky, such as sun, rain and wind.
A number showing how hot or cold it is, seen on a thermometer.
How much water vapour is in the air; the higher, the more humid.
One of the four periods of the year — spring, summer, autumn, winter — about three months each.
A tropical storm with very strong winds and heavy rain.
A heavy storm with lightning and thunder.
A broadcast or webpage that tells the weather before it happens.
A heavy rain signal from the Observatory, in amber, red or black.
3Step by step Steps
- Step 1: Read weather symbolsWeather reports use symbols to show the weather; reading the symbols tells us today's weather. The Hong Kong Observatory issues weather information every day: a sun means sunny, an umbrella means rain, a lightning bolt means thunderstorm, and clouds mean cloudy, with other symbols for fog and showers. The symbols are simple and clear, and children can understand them at a glance. Watch the weather report on TV, radio or phone every day, and you will know whether to take an umbrella or an extra coat, and planning trips and outdoor activities becomes easier — reading weather symbols is a very useful skill.
- Step 2: Dress by temperatureThe numbers on a thermometer show how hot or cold it is, and dressing to match feels comfortable. Generally, above twenty-five degrees short sleeves are enough; below fifteen, add a coat; on colder days wear a sweater and a scarf. In spring and autumn the difference between morning and evening is great: it is cool early in the day and warm at noon, so carry a light jacket to put on when cold and take off when warm. Dress by the temperature — not too much and not too little — and the body will not easily catch cold or overheat, keeping you healthy.
- Step 3: Tell the four seasons apartHong Kong lies in the subtropics with four clear seasons, each with its own weather. Spring is humid and misty, and walls and floors sweat, so things go mouldy easily; summer is hot, with thunderstorms in the afternoon and sometimes typhoons; autumn is clear, dry and cool, the most comfortable season; winter is cool and dry, so we wear thicker clothes. Knowing the seasons helps us prepare the right clothes and things ahead of time — an umbrella and sun hat for summer, a coat and scarf for winter — and life becomes better planned.
- Step 4: Be ready for rainRain makes roads slippery and travel inconvenient, and getting soaked may bring a cold. If the report says rain, take an umbrella and wear non-slip shoes before going out, and if needed put on rain boots and take a raincoat. On school days watch the early morning weather report with special care to see whether a rainstorm warning is up, then decide what to wear and bring. After coming home, wipe the wet umbrella and shoes dry and leave them in an airy place. Being ready keeps rainy days safe, so a sudden shower never catches us unprepared.
- Step 5: Watch rainstorm warningsIn heavy rain the Observatory issues rainstorm warnings to remind everyone to keep safe. The warnings come in amber, red and black, and the deeper the colour, the heavier the rain. When the red or black warning is in force, stay at home or in a safe indoor place; do not play in water outdoors, keep away from low-lying ground, and stay clear of slopes and streams. Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides, so follow the arrangements of adults and the government; schools also announce class suspensions according to the warnings, so read the official announcements before leaving.
- Step 6: Know typhoon signalsIn summer and autumn typhoons may reach Hong Kong, and the Observatory hoists signals one, three, eight, nine and ten according to the wind. When signal eight or above is in force, schools close and we stay in a safe place at home, keep away from glass windows and do not play outside, because strong winds can knock down scaffolding and objects and shatter glass. After a typhoon there may be fallen trees, broken glass and puddles on the streets, so follow adults' instructions and avoid dangerous places when going out.
4Diagrams Diagrams
5Worked example Example
Example: the forecast says cloudy with thunderstorms in the afternoon and twenty-eight degrees. Ming wants to play football in the park after school. How should he prepare?
- Twenty-eight degrees is hot: wear short sleeves and breathable sports shoes, and bring a water bottle to drink before and after the game.
- Cloudy does not mean dry, and thunderstorms are due in the afternoon, so pack an umbrella in the bag and wear a cap against the sun.
- If thunder or lightning comes while playing, leave the open park at once and take shelter under cover or go home.
- If the storm comes close, move the game to another day; read or do homework at home and play out when the weather clears.
- Answer: He should wear short sleeves and carry a water bottle and an umbrella; at the sound of thunder he must leave the open ground at once for shelter, and postpone the game if the storm comes near — safety always comes first.
6Common mistakes Mistakes
7Quick check Quick check
Q1What does the sun symbol in the weather report mean?
Q2Which Hong Kong season is hottest with frequent thunderstorms?
Q3What should we do when typhoon signal eight is up?
Q4How should we dress when it is below fifteen degrees?
Q5What should we do if we hear thunder in an open place?
8Recap Recap
- Check the weather report and symbols before going out.
- Dress by temperature: short sleeves when hot, a coat when cold.
- Hong Kong's seasons: wet spring, hot summer with typhoons, dry autumn, cool winter.
- Never shelter under trees or in open places during thunderstorms.
- When rainstorm warnings or typhoon signals are up, staying home is safest.