Hong Kong has recorded the highest number of tropical cyclones in a year since records began in 1917, the Observatory (HKO) has said. Tropical Cyclone Matmo, which prompted the HKO to issue the T3 warning signal over the weekend, was the 12th such storm of the year. “Matmo is the 12th topical cyclone requiring HKO to issue a tropical cyclone warning signal in 2025,” an HKO spokesperson told HKFP on Saturday. A naming system for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific basin was introduced in the 1950s. Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and becoming ever more destructive because of warming seas.