With three consecutive heat wave alerts this week, the fate of Shanghai has been determined. Our city has officially welcome summer, according to the Paper.
Yesterday, the temperature soared to 35.7 degrees Celsius, which made it the hottest day in May since 1915. The last time the mercury hit 35.7 degrees Celsius in May dates back to 1876, 1903 and 1915.
Since last Saturday, May 12, the average temperature has exceeded 22 degrees Celsius for five continuous days, which fits the meteorological definition of summer. In other words, May 12 is the official first day of summer for 2018.
Statistics via Shanghai Meteorological Bureau
Similar to the case of spring, this year the arrival of summer is slightly earlier than that of last year. In 2017 we waited until May 18. This early summer arrival also means a shorter spring with a day count of only 62 days, making it 11 days less than the average length.
After nearly a week of sizzling days, many netizens are wondering what weather we will receive in July and August. “It’s still groundless to say that we are having a scorching summer,” Fu YI, chief service officer of Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, told the Paper. “For instance, the first heat wave alarm in 1981 was released as early as on May 9. Nevertheless, the alarm was triggered only five times that year, and the highest temperature only reached 35.8 degrees Celsius.”
The current weather forecast may support Fu’s theory. It is expected that as the subtropical high weakens, Shanghai will experience a sudden decline in temperature accompanied by showers.
Image via Weather Channel
So, with consecutive rainy days ahead, be sure to keep an umbrella on hand. Also, if you are looking for somewhere indoors to shelter from the rains, museums are a wise choice. With International Museum Day starting today, take advantage of the three-day promotion of free or discounted entry.
[Title Image via Shine]
