Seasons in Hong Kong
FoundationHong Kong has a warm humid spring, a hot rainy typhoon summer, a cool dry autumn and a cold dry winter — dress and plan by the season.
- Hong Kong has four clear seasons: damp spring, hot summer, dry autumn and cool winter.
- In the humid spring, close the windows and dehumidify, and clothes dry faster.
- In summer, guard against heatstroke and typhoons, and drink plenty of water.
文體小知識：說明文按春夏秋冬的次序介紹香港的天氣特點，還有每個季節的穿衣和小活動。
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1Hong Kong lies in the south with a subtropical climate. There are four seasons, but they differ in length and character. Spring, around March and April, is warm and humid; walls and mirrors easily get wet — this is the humid spring weather, and clothes take several extra days to dry.
2Summer, from May to September, is hot and rainy, with thunder showers in the afternoon and typhoons in July and August. When Typhoon Signal Number 8 is hoisted, stay indoors and away from the windows. Summer is also the swimming season; remember to warm up and use sunscreen.
3Autumn, in October and November, is bright and dry with lower humidity — the most comfortable season for hiking and picnics. Winter, from December to February, sometimes drops below twelve degrees and the air is dry; wear a jumper and a coat, and remember skin lotion.
4Watching the seasons helps us plan: use a dehumidifier in the humid spring, carry an umbrella and water in summer, climb the hills in autumn, and drink hot soup to keep warm in winter. Check the weather report every day and dress and plan by the season, and the body stays comfortable.
1Summary 重點摘要
Hong Kong has a warm humid spring, a hot rainy typhoon summer, a cool dry autumn and a cold dry winter — dress and plan by the season.
2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary
A warm climate zone slightly cooler than the tropics; Hong Kong lies in it.
With much moisture in the air, so things go mouldy easily.
The damp spring days in Hong Kong when walls sweat and clothes will not dry.
A tropical storm bringing fierce wind and heavy rain.
How much moisture the air holds, shown as a percentage.
A short heavy rain with thunder.
With little moisture in the air, so skin feels tight.
A machine that takes moisture out of the air to dry a room.
Information telling the coming weather, such as temperature and rain.
3Step by step Steps
- Step 1: Fight the damp in springSpring in Hong Kong is warm and very humid. In March and April the humid weather from the south often arrives: walls and floors grow drops of water, and clothes hang for days without drying. Close the south- and east-facing windows to keep the damp out, run a dehumidifier or the dry mode of the air conditioner, and put moisture-absorbing beads in the wardrobe so clothes do not go mouldy. Some people think open windows mean dryness, but in this weather opening windows only makes things damper — closing them and dehumidifying is right.
- Step 2: Beat the heat and the typhoon in summerSummer in Hong Kong is hot, and typhoons may come. At midday the sun is fiercest, so plan indoor activities, and wear a hat and sun protection outside to avoid heatstroke. Between summer and autumn typhoons often strike; when the Observatory hoists Typhoon Signal Number 8, stay in a safe place at home, away from the windows, and never go to watch the waves. Some people think wave-watching in a typhoon is thrilling, but it is very dangerous — following the adults' arrangements is the wise course.
- Step 3: Drink in time during summerIn summer we sweat a lot and lose water quickly; without drinking in time we feel dizzy and tired, and may even suffer heatstroke. So drink half a cup of water before and after PE lessons, and two sips every fifteen minutes during sport; take your own bottle on outings and sip regularly. Some people think we need drink only when thirsty, but by then the body is already short of water. Keep the body supplied, and summer play stays joyful and safe.
- Step 4: Go outdoors in autumnAutumn in Hong Kong is clear and dry, with cool, comfortable temperatures — the best season outdoors. Around December the family can visit Tai Tong for the red leaves, hike in the country parks, or fly kites on the big lawns. Some people think autumn has nothing special, yet it is Hong Kong's most comfortable season. Getting close to nature now exercises the body and teaches you about autumn plants and animals — two gains at once.
- Step 5: Keep warm in winterWinter in Hong Kong is mild, but a cold surge can push the temperature below twelve degrees, feeling damp and chilly. Wear a jumper under a heavier coat and sleep under a thick quilt; after getting up, drink a cup of warm water to warm the body. Some people think Hong Kong winters are too mild to need wrapping up, yet damp cold feels especially bitter. The elderly and small children feel it most — remind grandparents to add clothes and care for them.
- Step 6: Check the weather report dailyWeather in Hong Kong can change greatly within one day, so check the Observatory's report before going out. Knowing tomorrow's temperature and chance of rain, you can prepare clothes and things exactly: a forecast of twenty-five degrees with rain means an umbrella and a light coat; a cold turn means an extra jumper. Some people think the weather can be judged by feel, but reading the daily report is a fine habit of self-care.
4Diagrams Diagrams
5Worked example Example
Example: the Observatory forecasts seventeen to twenty degrees tomorrow, humidity ninety per cent, with occasional rain. How should Yi prepare her clothes and things for school?
- Seventeen to twenty degrees is cool, so wear long sleeves plus a light coat.
- High humidity and rain call for a folding umbrella or raincoat, and non-slip shoes.
- Pack a spare set of clothes and a towel in the schoolbag for changing after getting wet.
- Check the live weather report once more before leaving to confirm the plan still holds.
- Answer: Yi should wear long sleeves with a light coat, bring rain gear and non-slip shoes, pack a spare set of clothes and a towel, and check the report again before leaving — then a damp, rainy day cannot spoil school.
6Common mistakes Mistakes
7Quick check Quick check
Q1Which months make up spring in Hong Kong?
Q2What is the humid spring weather?
Q3What should we do during Typhoon Signal Number 8?
Q4Which season is best for hiking and picnics?
Q5What should we wear in the cold winter?
8Recap Recap
- Hong Kong has four clear seasons: damp spring, hot summer, dry autumn and cool winter.
- In the humid spring, close the windows and dehumidify, and clothes dry faster.
- In summer, guard against heatstroke and typhoons, and drink plenty of water.
- Autumn suits outdoor activities best; keep warm in winter.
- Check the weather report daily and dress and plan by the season.