The Observatory says it will issue Standby Signal No 1 at 7.10pm on Thursday, as a tropical depression is expected to enter within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong.

It's forecast to be closest to Hong Kong around noon on Friday, skirting around 600 kilometres or more to the south of the SAR.

"Unless the tropical cyclone intensifies significantly or adopts a track closer to the coast of Guangdong, the chance of persistent strong winds generally over the territory is expected to be relatively low," the observatory said.

The weather forecaster said the tropical depression will move towards waters south of Hainan according to the present forecast.

It said under the combined effect of the weather system with the ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, it will be windy over the northern part of the South China Sea and the coast of southern China on Thursday and Friday, and local winds will be occasionally strong in some areas, including offshore and on high ground.
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Last updated: 2025-08-28 HKT 18:10