The number of hours of reduced visibility at Hong Kong International Airport reached 277 hours in March - about 37% of the time, a new record for the month since observation began in 1997.

March was marked by low visibility, humid weather and rapidly fluctuating temperatures. The mean relative humidity of 86% was 5% above normal.

Despite the humid weather, the monthly total rainfall of 48.4 millimetres was 18.5 millimetres lower than normal. The accumulated rainfall since the beginning of the year was 102.4 millimetres, about 26% below the usual 138.3 millimetres.

Under the influence of the northeast monsoon, it was fine and cold on the first three days of March. A humid maritime airstream set in on March 5, bringing mist and rain patches.

While it was foggy on the morning of March 7, sunshine streamed through the clouds during the day. Apart from the relatively low visibility, it was mild with sunny periods in the following four days. 

The temperature fell to 9 degrees on March 14, the lowest in the month. The weather stayed cloudy and cool on March 15.

It became hazy as the local winds subsided on March 16, with visibility in the harbour dropping below 2,000 metres at times.  

Temperature hit 26.2 degrees

Humid and foggy weather returned on March 17 when a moist easterly airstream affected the south China coast.  With plenty of sunshine during the day, the temperature rose to 26.2 degrees on March 18, the highest in the month.

Under the influence of a maritime airstream, it was foggy on March 21 and 22. Thick fog in the harbour on the morning of March 23 reduced the visibility to about 200 metres.