What does HKO mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The Hong Kong Observatory provides services related to weather and climate monitoring, weather forecasts, warnings of adverse weather conditions, tropical cyclone warnings, as well as radiative transfer model studies. It also issues public astronomical information and provides advice to the government on matters related to astronomy and space exploration.

The observatory provides access to a range of meteorological data including surface and upper air observations, satellite images, lightning detection networks, radar reflectivity images and an extensive archive of climate records dating back over 100 years.

The Hong Kong Observatory's weather forecasts have consistently provided accurate predictions for long-term trends in temperature and other meteorological parameters over the past decade or so. Generally speaking, the observatory's forecast accuracy is about 80% for short-term conditions (within two days) and about 40-60% for long-term forecasts (above five days).

Yes. You can sign up for SMS or email notifications from the observatory which will alert you when appropriate warnings are issued relating to weather events such as thunderstorms or typhoons.

Yes. The observatory offers a range of educational materials regarding various aspects of astronomy and meteorology. These include books, posters, displays, multimedia resources and interactive activities suitable all ages.

Yes. The observatory regularly updates its website with advice on great locations for star gazing in Hong Kong as well as tips on observing techniques such as telescope setup and operation.

Yes. Through its lightning detection network, HKObservatory publishes real time lightning strikes across China every 15 minutes along with historical data sets over a period of up to 5 years backdating.