On April 12, 2025, severe convective weather conditions led to the suspension of multiple ferry services between Hong Kong and mainland China. The Pearl River Passenger Transport announced that ferries operating from the Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal to Shenzhen Airport and Guangzhou Nansha Port would not run throughout the day. This disruption is part of a broader impact caused by a cold front affecting the Pearl River Estuary, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to issue special weather advisories.
The cold front, which is moving south from a low-pressure trough over central China, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong gusts to the region. According to Huang Jiaxing, a scientific officer at the Hong Kong Observatory, "Some areas will have heavy rain and strong gusts." He further noted that the northerly winds would strengthen in Hong Kong by Saturday afternoon, with offshore and high-ground areas potentially experiencing gale-force winds.
In addition to the ferry cancellations, the Observatory warned of possible squall lines that could lead to sudden changes in wind direction and rapid increases in wind speed, sometimes accompanied by hail. This situation echoes the severe thunderstorms that impacted Hong Kong on March 15, 2025, when a yellow rainstorm warning was issued.
As a result of the adverse weather conditions, numerous ferry services have been affected. For instance, the ferry routes from Hong Kong to Zhongshan, which usually operate multiple sailings throughout the day, have seen the 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 sailings suspended. Similarly, the return trips from Zhongshan to Hong Kong at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 are also canceled.
Other affected routes include the ferry from Hong Kong to Shunde, which has seen its 18:00 sailing suspended, and the ferry from Shunde back to Hong Kong, which has its 15:00 sailing canceled. The Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal services to Shekou Port have also been impacted, with the 18:00 sailing suspended.
At Hong Kong Airport, the Sky Pier services to Shenzhen Airport, Dongguan Humen Port, and Guangzhou Nansha Port have been completely suspended for the day. The same goes for the ferry services to Zhuhai, where all sailings from Hong Kong Airport Sky Pier are canceled.
Looking ahead, the disruptions are not limited to April 12. The Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal has also announced that the 08:00 sailings to Guangzhou Nansha Port and Zhongshan Port will be suspended on April 13, 2025. Additionally, the ferry from Hong Kong Airport to Zhuhai will have its 09:00 sailing canceled on the same day.
As residents and visitors prepare for the weekend, the Hong Kong Observatory has advised that temperatures will drop significantly from a high of about 25 degrees Celsius on Saturday to around 17 degrees Celsius by Sunday morning. Citizens venturing out should be prepared for wind and rain, particularly as the cold front moves through the area.
In light of the severe weather, AsiaWorld-Expo has reminded attendees of the Coldplay concert scheduled for Saturday evening that umbrellas longer than 35 cm are not permitted in the venue. They recommend bringing collapsible umbrellas or raincoats to stay dry.
The impact of the cold front highlights the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather in the region. As the climate continues to change, such weather events may become more frequent, affecting transportation and daily life in Hong Kong and surrounding areas.
The situation serves as a reminder for travelers to stay informed about weather conditions and transportation updates, especially during periods of inclement weather. As ferry services resume, passengers are encouraged to check schedules and plan accordingly to avoid further disruptions.
