Record Rainfall in Hong Kong Sparks Disruptions as City Faces Climate Challenges

Hong Kong experienced its heaviest August rainfall since records began in 1884, with over 350 millimeters (13.8 inches) of rain recorded by mid-afternoon on August 5, 2025. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a "black" rainstorm warning—the highest level—for the fourth time in eight days, setting a new record for the frequency of such alerts.

The torrential downpour led to significant disruptions across the city. Schools, hospitals, and courts were closed, and floodwaters transformed city stairways into torrents, leaving water ankle-deep outside major hospitals. Despite the severe conditions, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained operational, and Disneyland continued to welcome visitors.

The Hong Kong Observatory reported that more than 350 millimeters of rain had drenched the city by 2 p.m., marking the highest daily rainfall for August since 1884. The "black" rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days, surpassing the previous record of three such warnings in a single year.

The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, turning city stairways into torrents and leaving water ankle-deep outside major hospitals. The judiciary announced that courts, tribunals, and register offices would remain shut until at least two hours after the "black" rainstorm alert was canceled. Airports across the region reported cancellation rates of around 20%, and speed limits on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were reduced due to poor visibility.

Despite the severe conditions, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained operational, having changed its policy to continue trading regardless of weather conditions late last year. Hong Kong Disneyland also remained open, with its daily "Friendtastic! Parade" still scheduled to take place.

Neighboring Guangdong province faced deadly flash floods days earlier, resulting in five fatalities and critical river levels. Meteorologists link these extreme weather events to climate change, highlighting the increasing challenges posed by such conditions to public safety and infrastructure.

The extreme weather events underscore the need for enhanced emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect public safety. The closure of essential services and disruptions to daily life highlight the broader societal impacts of climate-induced extreme weather events.

As Hong Kong grapples with the aftermath of this record-breaking rainfall, the city faces the challenge of enhancing its infrastructure and emergency response systems to better withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events attributed to climate change.