[Weather] Shanghai Stays Hot and Humid as 3 Typhoons Crowd Nearby

Hot, humid and occasionally wet

Shanghai will stay hot and humid this week, with scattered showers, cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius.

The city is not facing a direct typhoon hit for now, but several tropical systems are active over nearby seas and could bring changes to Shanghai's weather later this week.

Monday was mostly cloudy with scattered brief showers. Temperatures started at around 26 to 28 degrees and rose to about 33 degrees.

Humidity remained high, at 65 to 90 percent. That means the weather will feel muggy, even when it is not raining.

Southeasterly winds will be weaker than on Sunday. Winds in the city will reach force 4 to 5, with gusts up to force 6. Along the coast and the Huangpu River, winds will reach force 5, with gusts up to force 6 to 7.

For most people, force 6 winds mean noticeably strong gusts. They can shake trees, make cycling difficult and move unsecured outdoor objects. Gusts reaching force 7 can break small branches, especially from weaker trees.

The wind will ease further on Monday night.

Three typhoons

The unusual part of this week's weather is what is happening over the western Pacific and South China Sea.

Four tropical systems have formed or remained active within six days. They are: Typhoon Saudel, Typhoon Narra, Tropical Depression Gaenari and the newly formed Typhoon Atsani.

That does not mean four typhoons are heading for Shanghai. Their tracks are different, and most are currently far from the city. But the crowded tropical weather pattern is making forecasts more changeable than usual.

The system Shanghai needs to watch most closely is Typhoon Saudel, the year's 18th typhoon.

Saudel was a super typhoon on Monday morning, with maximum winds of 52 meters per second near its center.

It was about 1,420 kilometers east of Taipei and was moving west-northwest at about 25 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Forecasters expect Saudel to move into the East China Sea around Wednesday and approach the East China coast later this week.

The Shanghai weather authority said the typhoon is most likely to move toward coastal areas from southern Zhejiang to Fujian around Friday or Saturday. A track toward central Zhejiang or a turn over the East China Sea remains possible.

What changes later this week

Shanghai's weather should remain broadly similar through the next few days. The city will stay under the influence of easterly airflow on the southern side of the subtropical high-pressure system.

In practical terms, expect plenty of clouds, occasional showers and temperatures mostly between 27 and 34 degrees.

The showers will be scattered rather than continuous. It could be raining in one part of the city while another area stays dry.

The weather may become more unsettled from Thursday as Saudel moves closer to the East China Sea. The exact impact on Shanghai will depend on its track and strength.

If you are heading out, carry an umbrella even if the morning looks dry. If you are planning a trip to Zhejiang or Fujian provinces later this week, check the latest typhoon track before you leave.