One Telephone Number = Comprehensive Information on the Services of the Hong Kong Observatory

From next week, the public can simply dial "1878200" to access the Hong Kong Observatory's new "Dial-a-weather" System for comprehensive information on the services of the Observatory.

The new system, which launches on Wednesday (March 16), replaces and combines the functions of two existing systems which have been operating for a number of years. In the new system, the public can choose either Cantonese, Putonghua or English to listen to the latest regional weather information, local weather forecasts, weather information for South China Coastal Waters, Marine Forecasts, information on tropical cyclones, weather warnings, the Hong Kong Standard Time, times of sunrise and sunset, tidal information, etc.

The public can also request daily weather maps, tropical cyclone tracks, information sheets on weather warning systems, climatological information of Hong Kong, etc by fax. Appendix is the callflow chart containing instructions on using the new system. Callers can follow the callflow chart or the recorded instructions on the new system to make enquiries.

Mr Kwan Kun-wah, a member of the Think Tank of the Friends of the Observatory who tried out the system, said, "Searching information in the new system is much easier and more convenient than in the old systems."

Dr Wong Ming-chung, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory said, "Implementation of the new system is in line with the Government's policy to simplify the telephone numbering system for better service. Previously, the public had to dial different numbers for different information. Now the public can simply remember one telephone number to access our comprehensive weather information enquiry service. Furthermore, as it is fully automated and no manual recording is required, the new system can provide faster updates on the weather."