The Hong Kong Observatory provided weather forecast in support of the event of Zhang Jian crossing Lingding Yang

29 September 2005

The Hong Kong Observatory provided twice a day weather forecast over a pre-defined area of Lingding Yang in support of the swimming event of Mr. Zhang Jian from Hong Kong to Macao in 2005. Severe weather warnings and tropical cyclone warnings for shipping were also provided.

Due to adverse weather associated with Tropical Storm Vicente, the swimming event was postponed from the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival on 18 September to 22 September, immediately before tropical cyclone Damrey brought significant weather to the Pearl River Estuary.

The time of the event was chosen taking into account water current situations and the weather. The journey started off in the morning of 22 September from Tai O in Lantau Island and ended at Coloane Island in Macao. The weather during the period was fine but hazy with visibility down to about 3000 metres. Winds were light to moderate northerlies and sea conditions were moderate. The sea surface temperature was about 28 degrees Celcius. The event took around 11 hours to complete, three to four hours earlier than expected by Zhang Jian.

After the event was successfully completed, the liaison officer of the Organising Committee for Zhang Jian crossing Lingding Yang, Professor K.X. Wen, thanked the Observatory for the provision of reliable and professional weather service, and pointed out that the Observatory's accurate forecasts contributed to the success of this endeavour.