The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to provide the public with meteorological services and information in the interests of public safety and economic development. The Hong Kong Observatory is responsible for weather forecasting services and geophysical services to serve the public. Meteorological services are also provided to special users such as the aviation and shipping sectors in compliance with international safety standards.

      An important aspect of the Hong Kong Observatory's responsibilities is to ensure public safety during severe weather. It issues warnings for tropical cyclones and rainstorms to alert the general public and groups such as schools, transport operators and engineers of deteriorating weather conditions.