Hong Kong logs warmest winter on record, averaging 2 degrees Celsius above normal
South China Morning Post
by Ambrose LiMarch 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong has recorded its warmest winter on record, with temperatures averaging two degrees Celsius above normal between December 2025 and February 2026. The mean temperature reached an unprecedented 19.3 degrees Celsius (67 Fahrenheit), marking a significant shift from typical winter conditions. This warmth was attributed to a weaker-than-usual northeast monsoon over southern China, which typically brings cooler weather to the region. The Observatory reported that February alone saw temperatures three degrees above normal, with a mean of 20.1 degrees.
The winter also saw only five cold days—tied for the third-lowest number on record—and slightly wetter conditions due to increased rainfall in February. While total rainfall for the month was 41.6mm (1.6 inches), up 7% from the normal 38.9mm, the first two months of the year were notably drier than usual, with accumulated rainfall at 44.8mm, nearly 38% below the typical 71.9mm for that period.
This record-breaking winter highlights broader climate trends and their impacts on regional weather patterns. The weaker monsoon and sustained warmth underscore the growing influence of climate change, which is altering traditional seasonal norms globally. For Hong Kong, this shift raises questions about future weather predictions and its potential effects on local ecosystems, agriculture, and urban planning.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/3/2026