Overview of Tropical Cyclone in May 2024

Two tropical cyclones occurred over the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in May 2024. Among them, Maliksi was the first tropical cyclone affecting Hong Kong in 2024. The Observatory issued the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal during the passage of Maliksi.

Ewiniar formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 990 km southeast of Manila on the morning of 24 May and moved northwestwards across the Philippines. Ewiniar turned to move northeastwards gradually and intensified rapidly on 26 May. It intensified into a typhoon and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 140 km/h near the centre that night. Ewiniar moved across the seas south of the Ryukyu Islands and weakened gradually in the following three days. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the western North Pacific to the south of Japan on the afternoon of 30 May.

According to press reports, Ewiniar brought torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines, causing at least six deaths and eight injuries. More than 150 000 people were affected and economic loss exceeded PHP 1.2 billion.

Maliksi formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the South China Sea about 650 km south-southwest of Hong Kong on the evening of 30 May and moved generally northwards towards the coast of western Guangdong. Maliksi intensified into a tropical storm and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre on the afternoon of 31 May. It continued to edge closer to the coast of western Guangdong that night.