Typhoon signal unlikely in Hong Kong over weekend but at least 18 flights to Japan axed

Tropical cyclone Kujira set to weaken over weekend under countervailing influence of Dolphin, which has been downgraded to a severe typhoon

The likelihood of a typhoon warning signal being issued in Hong Kong over the weekend is low, as tropical cyclone Kujira is set to weaken under the influence of Dolphin. The latter, though downgraded from a super typhoon to a severe typhoon, has nonetheless prompted airlines to cancel at least 18 flights between the city and Japan.

The Observatory said early on Wednesday that tropical cyclone Kujira, meaning “whale” in Japanese, would linger over the central part of the South China Sea near the Filipino island of Luzon.

It would maintain a distance of about 700km (435 miles) or more from Hong Kong, and its direct threat to the city was “not high”, according to the forecaster.

“With Dolphin continuing to move westwards, Kujira will move eastward towards Luzon and weaken gradually under the influence of Dolphin,” the Observatory said.

“Unless Kujira adopts a track closer to the coast of Guangdong, the chance of issuing the typhoon standby signal, No 1, is rather low.”

Meanwhile, with Severe Typhoon Dolphin moving westwards towards Okinawa and the East China Sea, the influence of its outer airstream is expected to subside, leading to mostly fine and hot weather in Hong Kong over the weekend after a gloomy and wet July.

“It will be extremely hot over inland areas. High temperatures will also trigger thundery showers,” the Observatory said.