Thunderstorms have continued to occur along the coast of South China under the influence of a trough of low pressure in recent days, and severe convective weather such as hail and tornadoes occurred in parts of Guangzhou last weekend (27th), causing significant damage to the community and causing casualties. In fact, what is severe convective weather? Will a trough of low pressure move closer again later tomorrow (30 July) and will similar severe convective weather occur in Macao?
What you need to know about severe convective weather
Severe convective weather generally refers to severe weather such as thunderstorms, strong gusts, hail, tornadoes, etc., which do not necessarily occur at the same time, and the intensity of the weather will be coordinated according to the geographical location and the complex atmospheric environment at that time.
Review of the severe convective weather on April 27: an unstable airflow accompanied by a trough of low pressure affected the South China coast, and a southwest jet stream in the lower atmosphere continued to transport warm and humid air to Guangdong, forming a convergence zone in the area of Guangzhou, producing strong convective movements, resulting in severe weather such as thunderstorms, strong gusts, hail, and tornadoes.
Radar surveillance image of the area near Guangzhou on April 27 (Zhuhai and Macao Radar of the Meteorological Bureau)
The low-pressure trough moves closer later tomorrow
Thunderstorms will reappear in Guangdong
According to the current forecast information, another trough of low pressure will move closer to the South China coast later tomorrow, and thunderstorms will resume in Guangdong. Looking ahead to the weather in Macao in the coming days (30 April to 2 May), it is expected that showers will increase later tomorrow, with sometimes heavy rain and thunderstorms, and strong gusts of wind during thunderstorms.
7-day Weather Outlook (Based on the latest 7-day forecast of the Meteorological Bureau)
Is there a possibility of severe convective weather in Macao?
The geographical location and environment of Macao are not very conducive to the occurrence of tornadoes or hail, but in the case of more frequent extreme weather, when the atmospheric environment is suitable and there are strong thunderstorm areas affecting Macao, there is still a possibility of extreme weather such as hail or tornadoes. For example, in 2021, there were waterspouts in Macao (https://www.smg.gov.mo/zh/news-detail/190).
Regardless of whether there will be severe convective weather in Macao, in view of the approaching thunderstorms, the Macao Meteorological Bureau appeals to members of the public to pay more attention to weather changes and pay attention to the latest weather information of the Macao Meteorological Bureau before going out.
Quick Facts: Tornadoes are very different from tropical cyclones
Will members of the public have questions: What is the relationship between tornadoes and tropical cyclones? In fact, the two weather systems are different weather systems, and their impact scales (spatial size, duration) and formation conditions are completely different, and the differences are roughly summarized as follows.
The difference between a tornado and a tropical cyclone
Information and photo source: Geophysical and Meteorological Bureau