Heavy rain hits Shanghai, with heat set to return this weekend

Credit: Ti Gong

Shanghai was hit by downpours on Friday.

The heavy rain triggered a yellow rainstorm alert and a yellow lightning alert, both the second-lowest level in the weather warning system, at around 4pm. Some districts, including Minhang and Qingpu, as well as the Pudong New Area upgraded the rain alert to an orange, the second-highest level, later.

The city's flood prevention department issued level-three emergency flood prevention response to cope with the heavy rain.

Some areas of city, such as Putuo, Yangpu and Pudong, have seen standing water on roads on Friday evening, which caused traffic congestion, according to local traffic police.

More traffic police officers stepped up effort to direct the traffic in waterlogged sections.

The scorching weather is predicted to return over the weekend, along with afternoon heavy rains and lightning. The mercury will top 35 degrees Celsius with lows between 27 and 29 degrees.

The humid and sweltering weather is also forecast to dominate the next week, with afternoon precipitation along with temperatures at around 34 degrees.

Credit: Ti Gong

Credit: Ti Gong

Credit: Ti Gong