But the good news is that those with iPads will be able to track all these and more with the Hong Kong Observatory's app called "MyObservatory" that uses the Global Positioning System to provide up-to-date localized weather information.

According to observatory director Shun Chi-ming, five to eight typhoons within 500 kilometers of the territory is near the norm. There were six last year.

Senior scientific officer Mok Hing- yim said the observatory will consider wind conditions and sea-level pressure to determine the threat level.

The observatory said the annual rainfall is expected to be average or below normal, ranging from 1,900 to 2,500 millimeters.

"It is difficult to come up with more accurate forecasts for rainfall as global warming is causing conditions to become more extreme and unpredictable," Shun said.

Statistics over the past 20 years show that for more than half these years, rainfall was above normal.

The past winter was also the coldest since 1986, with temperatures averaging 15.9 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees below normal.

The Observatory yesterday also outlined its plans for the year ahead in line with World Meteorological Day on Friday.

From today, it will enhance forecasts by furnishing a more detailed information display. As a part of it, two icons will be adopted instead of one to highlight changes in weather conditions, Shun said.

A community weather information scheme is also in the pipeline to allow contributors to share photos and reports, promoting public education in weather and climate change.

The observatory has forecast patches of drizzle but the sky is expected to clear later this week.

KENNETH FU