Effect of ENSO on the typhoon activities and related extreme precipitation in Hong Kong

Abstract

The tracking and forecasting of Typhoon has been a major concern of extreme weather in Hong Kong, China, due to its remarkable social and economic impact. Many research institutes and weather authorities, including Hong Kong Observatory, have tried to improve the understanding of typhoon activities in Hong Kong. This study will analyze the tropical cyclone (TC) activities, including tropical cyclone (TC) genesis position, movement routes and central pressure of typhoons, and changes in local patterns of rainfall stemming from TCs passing through the Hong Kong domain. The results will show a difference in changes in typhoons that affect Hong Kong during different phases of ENSO years. In particular, the extreme precipitation events caused by the TC are discussed to identify the mechanism of TC activities under varied atmosphere circumstances. The findings are important for reducing typhoon damage and ensuring a proper response to climate change in coupled human-environmental systems in Hong Kong.