Opinion | Dry June, wet July: climate whiplash is on Hong Kong’s doorstep

Climate change fuelling extreme weather is no longer a future we must prepare for. It’s happening now and Hong Kong must pull out all the stops

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A cyclist moves through a flooded pedestrian tunnel in Tseung Kwan O district on August 5. Parts of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill by flooding caused by heavy rains on August 5, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:30am, 10 Aug 2025

Just weeks ago, Hongkongers were worrying about unusually dry weather. April, May and June this year were relatively dry – flowers wilted early, reservoirs dipped, and farmers across the New Territories and Lantau feared crop losses. Then came July and these early days of August: torrential downpours, landslides, flash floods and back-to-back black rainstorm warnings that brought the city to a standstill.

What we are witnessing isn’t just erratic weather. It’s climate whiplash – and it’s happening right on our doorstep.

What is climate whiplash? It’s the rapid, extreme shift between prolonged drought and intense rainfall. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere holds more moisture, fuelling both extremes. Dry spells become longer and more severe; when the rain finally comes, it’s often too much, too fast and too destructive.

Hong Kong has made considerable strides in upgrading its drainage infrastructure. Over the past decade, the Drainage Services Department has implemented key improvements – from building underground stormwater storage tanks to enhancing drainage channels – to help the city better withstand extreme rain.

The department has also taken important steps in integrating green elements through river revitalisation projects that enhance biodiversity and public spaces. Similarly, the Civil Engineering and Development Department has piloted urban forest initiatives in the northern New Territories.

However, as climate change accelerates and extreme weather becomes more difficult to predict, these efforts must go further. The Northern Metropolis and other large-scale developments are being constructed on vulnerable lowlands and floodplains – areas historically protected by natural buffers like wetlands and mangroves.

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.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Climate change fuelling extreme weather is no longer a future we must prepare for. It’s happening now and Hong Kong must pull out all the stops

Climate change fuelling extreme weather is no longer a future we must prepare for. It’s happening now and Hong Kong must pull out all the stops