After enjoying mild weather over the past few days, we have been snapped back into reality with a cold front arriving into Shanghai yesterday. Bringing continuous light rain and a temperature drop the cold front can be an indication that winter is officially coming, reports The Paper.
On Monday, the highest temperature reached 20.2 degrees Celsius (68.36 degrees Fahrenheit). In the morning, residents could even feel the presence of the sun. Nonetheless, it didn’t take long before afternoon rainfall took over the city as the cold front sneaked in.
Unfortunately, the cold front yesterday was merely a prelude to what is slated to arrive this Friday. According to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, starting from December 7, the temperature will take a nosedive and descend below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). At the same time, both rainfall and strong wind are predicted for the rest of the week. Here's a glimpse of the weather forecast for the upcoming days:
Image via Weather Channel
With a temperature drop on the horizon, civilians can't help but wonder if we will welcome winter this week. "According to the meteorological definition of winter, the average temperature must be lower than 10 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days," one expert from the bureau tells The Paper. "In that case, if our current prediction is correct, then December 7 will become the first official day of winter this year."
Coincidentally, December 7 also marks Daxue, a meteorological term from the Chinese lunar calendar. Translated to 'major snow,' the term is used to indicate heavier snow and colder weather in northern China. Although it has little to do with the weather in Shanghai, many snow lovers are looking forward to the snow that may fall on the city. "It's unlikely to see snowflakes this early, the snow season of Shanghai usually takes place in early January." says the meteorologist.
[Cover image via Pexels]
