Weather Overview

December 2024 brought shocking weather changes to Hong Kong, with the region experiencing one of its driest months on record. Due to drastic reductions in moisture in the lower atmosphere along the southern coast of China, rainfall was almost nonexistent—marking only the 11th time since records began in 1884 that December has seen such minimal precipitation. The total annual rainfall measured 2,309.7 millimeters, falling 5 percent short of the typical average of 2,431.2 millimeters. Furthermore, the average temperature soared to 18.5 degrees Celsius, slightly above the normal December temperature of 18.2 degrees.

Early December Conditions

The beginning of December 2024 showcased clear skies and sunny weather, especially on the first two days. As an easterly airstream influenced the region, conditions remained mostly pleasant with occasional cloud cover from December 3 to 7. However, a shift in the northeast monsoon brought about cooler temperatures and cloudy mornings on December 8 and 9. A brief warm spell hit on December 10 and 11, culminating in the month’s highest recorded temperature of 25.2 degrees Celsius.

Mid December Developments

From December 12 to 17, the weather continued to display the effects of a dry northeast monsoon. Cool mornings and bursts of sunshine punctuated this period; however, light rain fell on the night of December 15. Though cloudy conditions prevailed on December 18, they quickly shifted back to dry and clear weather, lasting until December 22 when the arrival of tropical depression Pabuk ushered in a bout of cloudiness from December 23 to 27, peppered with light rain on several days.

End of December Weather Patterns

As December drew to a close, improved weather patterns resurfaced on December 28, continuing until the month’s end, with the only interruptions occurring late on December 31 when clouds returned, bringing light patches of rain.

Economic Impact and Real Estate Trends

December also saw activity in the property market, as the Land Registry reported a total of 5,510 sale and purchase agreements for building units registered, marking a significant drop of 28.3 percent compared to November, yet a substantial increase of 46.4 percent compared to December of the previous year. This unpredictability in the real estate sector, coupled with the dry weather, has led experts to ponder the long-term implications of climate changes affecting urban ecosystems.

Conclusion on Climate and Economy

With only one tropical cyclone noted over the South China Sea and western North Pacific during this month, December 2024 proved not just to be an atypical month for weather, but a significant period for economic activity, hinting at a complex interplay between climate and commerce in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. The surprising shifts in weather and property trends have left residents and analysts alike questioning what the coming months will hold as climate patterns continue to evolve rapidly.