Abstract A tropical disturbance, despite not intensifying into a tropical depression, made landfall over Hong Kong on 21 September 2024 and brought substantial rainfall to the territory. The relatively small, weak and shallow nature of the disturbance was observed using satellite products, radars, wind profilers, LiDARs and a dense network of Automatic Weather Stations. The post‐analysis of the disturbance and the challenges in monitoring and classifying such a weak system are discussed. The findings provide insights into monitoring and predicting similar tropical systems in the future, which is critical for the operation of the tropical cyclone warning service in Hong Kong.

Abstract The Maritime Continent in southeast Asia receives extreme rainfall all year round. Various key processes, from larger‐scale modes of variability to finer‐scale forcings such as the diurnal cycle, influence these rainfall patterns. Our understanding of the regional meteorology, however, is complicated by scale interactions between these processes. This added complexity affects our ability to effectively model and forecast weather patterns across the Maritime Continent. Here, I provide a review of current knowledge of the processes and scale interactions influencing Maritime Continent rainfall. I also address successes and challenges within existing modelling efforts, and what future climate projections suggest for the region.

Abstract The impacts of extreme weather and climate change will, and are, affecting a diversity of people in many different ways. Yet the UK field of weather and climate appears to be generally un‐diverse. Besides its importance for innovation in any field, having a diversity of voices in this field is especially vital, given the often unequal impacts of weather and climate. In 2024, the Royal Meteorological Society supported the set‐up of the Diverse Voices speaker series, aimed at improving representation and elevating role models. Here we reflect on the series so far and its outlook for the future.