Starting from March 16, the public can simply dial "187 8200" to access the Hong Kong Observatory's new "Dial-a-weather" system for comprehensive information on the Observatory's services.

The new system replaces and combines the functions of two existing systems which have been operating for 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 and so on. 

The public can also request information by fax, such as daily weather maps, tropical cyclone tracks, information sheets on weather warning systems, and Hong Kong's climatological information.

A callflow chart containing instructions on using the new system can be obtained at the department's website. Callers can follow the callflow chart or the recorded instructions on the new system to make enquiries.