Flight grounded: Severe gusts blew over a Government Flying Service helicopter at Hong Kong International Airport on June 8, highlighting a month of unsettled weather.

June was warmer and wetter than usual with a mean temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 490.1mm of rain, 0.6 degrees and 30% above normal. Accumulated rainfall for the year is 968mm, about 2% below normal.

A trough of low pressure over southern China moved towards the coast on June 6 and brought unsettled weather for the next nine days. Severe gusts reaching 129kph were recorded at Hong Kong International Airport on June 8 amid squally thunderstorms. A Government Flying Service helicopter parked on the apron was blown over.

On June 10 a squall line swept across Hong Kong from northwest to southeast bringing severe gusts and heavy showers. Peak gusts over 120kph were recorded in Tai O. Heavy rain during the day brought over 100mm of rain to most parts of Hong Kong. There were seven reports of flooding and about reports of fallen trees.

Showers subsided gradually on June 16 and 17 when the trough of low pressure dissipated. A ridge of high pressure established over southern China on June 18. Apart from a few showers, it was fine and hot for the ensuing eight days. With abundant sunshine the maximum temperature rose to 33.5 degrees on June 22 and 26, the highest for the month.

Rain and thunderstorms came on June 27 and 28 when Hong Kong came under the influence of an active southerly air stream. A trough of low pressure developed over the south China coastal areas and brought scattered showers to end the month.