More severe weather conditions are expected in Hong Kong this summer, with heat waves and hot spells becoming more frequent as a result of global warming, the Hong Kong Observatory said on Monday.

Director of the Observatory Shun Chi-ming said around four to seven typhoons will affect Hong Kong this summer, with the first one expected in June.

He asked the public to remain vigilant against possible storm surges as the local sea level continues to rise.

The Observatory also forecasts the annual rainfall this year to be normal or below-normal at around 2,000 to 2,600 mm.