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The Weather of February 1997

    February was wetter and less sunny than normal. The monthly total rainfall of 111.7 millimetres was 63.7 millimetres higher than the normal figure of 48.0 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall since 1 January amounted to 156.3 millimetres which was 84.9 millimetres above the normal. The total sunshine duration in the month of 85.5 hours was 12.2 hours lower than normal.

    The month started with strong easterly winds and increasing cloud amount under the influence of an intense winter monsoon. Winds gradually subsided during the day on 1 February and there were light rain patches. On the next day, rain became heavy with squally thunderstorms. Easterly winds strengthened again after the passage of a cold front on 3 February and rainy conditions continued.

    The weather improved temporarily on 4 February but there were patches of rain again the next day. Easterly winds strengthened late on 6 February but were soon replaced by moderate northerlies. The weather remained generally cloudy with periods of light rain easing off gradually on 8 February. Northerly winds and cloudy conditions then continued. On 12 February, winds freshened from the east bringing periods of rain. Strong easterly winds affected offshore areas early on 14 February. Remaining overcast, winds moderated and turned northerly the next day.

    A drier airstream reached the south China coastal areas on 18 February with the lowest temperature in the month, 10.9 degrees, recorded that morning. As dry air continued to come from the northeast, clouds cleared and the weather became fine and sunny on 19 February. Fine weather prevailed till 24 February.

    A maritime airstream set in bringing warm weather to the territory on 24 February. Apart from a few light rain patches early the next day, the weather remained fine until the end of the month. Temperatures rose to 24.6 degrees, the highest in the month, on 26 February.

    The western North Pacific and the South China Sea was void of tropical cyclone activity in the month of February.

    During the month, no aircraft was diverted due to adverse weather.