Under the prolonged dominance of a sub-tropical ridge of high pressure, July was much drier and warmer than usual in Hong Kong.

Last month 76.9mm of rainfall was recorded, far below the normal figure of 323.5mm, making it the lowest on record for July.

Accumulated rainfall since the beginning of the year was 1,044.9mm, about 21% below the normal figure of 1,316mm.

With abundant sunshine and meagre rainfall the monthly mean temperature rose to 29.6 degrees Celsius, the second highest for July. The temperature rose to 34.8 degrees on July 28, the month's highest.