SMG issues first red rainstorm warning of the year, with midweek heat to follow

The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued a rainstorm warning early yesterday morning, lasting nearly three hours. This included the first red rainstorm warning of 2026.

As the subtropical high-pressure system once again dominates southern China, sunny spells and persistently hot weather are expected from midweek onward, with maximum temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celcius and 1 to 2 degrees higher in urban areas.

According to SMG, at around 5 a.m. yesterday, two air masses – one from the south and one from the east – converged, causing rainbands to intensify and gradually approach Macau.

The bureau issued yellow and then red rainstorm warnings in succession. The strongest part of the rainband passed over Macau at around 6:30 a.m., with the heaviest rainfall recorded in the northern district and the Inner Harbour area. It remained in effect for about one hour and accumulated 46.8 millimeters of rainfall.

While the red rainstorm warning was in effect, the bureau anticipated further intensification of rainfall and warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas.

At 6:45 a.m. yesterday, the meteorological station recorded the highest total rainfall of 68 millimeters. The Barra station and Mount Fortress station recorded 48 millimeters and 43.6 millimeters, respectively. In the Cotai area, the station recorded a total of 39.8 millimeters.

The SMG forecasts that, under the influence of southerly airflows, Macau will continue to see scattered showers today, with the possibility of brief periods of intense rainfall.