The city has officially bid farewell to Sanfu, the hottest period of summer. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go before we can welcome autumn, reports Shine.
As a meteorological term from the Chinese lunar calendar, Sanfu refers to the most smothering and sizzling phase of the summer season. This year, the dog days commenced on July 27 and terminated on August 26. That being said, this year's 40-day-long hot season seems more soothing compared to previous years.
This time last year, when the temperature soared to 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahrenheit), the city witnessed its hottest day in history. This year, the hottest day fell on July 25, when the temperature reached 37.7 degrees Celsius (99.9 degrees Fahrenheit). This maximum has now been recorded as the only day this summer when the mercury climbed above 37 degrees Celsius. The tender dog days of this year may be a result of frequent typhoons during the past month.
Despite the end of Sanfu, Shanghai may still be in the grasp of a heatwave over the next few weeks. According to Weather Channel, the temperature won't descend below 30 degrees Celsius until next weekend. Then, it's predicted that showers and thunderstorms will bring about cooler days.
Image via Weather Channel
As the heatwave is expected to linger, autumn won’t come anytime soon. According to the meteorological definition of autumn, the city must record an average temperature of less than 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days. So, judging by next week’s forecast, we need to keep waiting a little longer.
[Cover image via Pexels]
