Shanghai Faces a Colder, Wetter New Year as Winter Sets In

Shanghai is set to ring in the New Year under colder, wetter conditions, with temperatures dropping and light rain expected as a cold wave moves in around the holiday, local weather authorities said on Monday.

The city officially entered winter on December 24, according to the city's weather service, after average temperatures remained below 10 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days at the downtown Xujiahui weather station.

A brief warm spell preceded the seasonal shift. On Monday, sunshine lifted daytime highs to around 17 degrees, but the warmth is expected to fade quickly as colder air pushes south.

Cloudier skies are forecast for Tuesday, with temperatures easing to around 14 degrees Celsius. Northeasterly winds are also expected to pick up, making it feel noticeably cooler than earlier in the week.

Colder conditions are forecast to strengthen from Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to fall more sharply through New Year's Eve, accompanied by brisk winds and periods of light rain.

On New Year's Day, the city is expected to stay cold and gray, with daytime temperatures ranging from 4 to 7 degrees Celsius in urban areas. Suburban districts could see lows close to freezing, with occasional light rain before conditions turn drier overnight.

The chill is likely to linger. From January 2, overnight temperatures are forecast to hover near or below freezing in many areas, bringing a dry but biting winter cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Authorities advised residents to keep a close eye on updated weather forecasts and travel conditions over the holiday period, as colder, windier, and wetter weather could disrupt transport and outdoor plans.