Cold Blast to Sweep Shanghai with Sunday Low of 1°C

A powerful cold front is set to sweep into Shanghai, bringing a sharp temperature plummet and strong winds, meteorologists have warned.

The cold snap will peak over the weekend, with minimum temperatures dropping by 9-11 degrees Celsius across a 48-hour period from Thursday to Saturday.

Friday already saw a noticeable cool-down compared to the previous day, with highs lingering between 10 and 13 degrees throughout the day.

The most dramatic temperature drop will hit once the cold air mass arrives on Saturday, limiting Sunday's daytime high to around 8 degrees. Lows in downtown Shanghai are expected to dip to roughly 1 degree early Sunday and Monday mornings, while suburban areas could see temperatures plunge to -4 to -3 degrees – with frost likely in outlying districts.

A gradual warm-up is forecast to begin on Tuesday.

Strong winds will accompany the cold spell: starting Saturday, gusts over land may reach force 6-7 on the Beaufort scale, climbing to 7-8 along the coast and Yangtze River estuary, and 8-9 near Yangshan Port and adjacent offshore waters. Winds are expected to ease by Sunday afternoon.

A brief spell of light rain is possible on Saturday, though authorities note road icing is unlikely.

Officials are advising residents to bundle up for the cold, secure loose items on balconies amid strong winds, and check outdoor pipes and meters to prevent freezing damage.