Just confirmed – a major weather shift is heading toward Shanghai today.
After a stretch of dazzling blue skies and postcard-perfect cloudscapes, the city is now bracing for a sharp turn in conditions. Strong winds, heavy rain, and rising tides are expected as Typhoon Francisco moves closer to the East China Sea.
What makes this even more extraordinary is the rare atmospheric setup unfolding over the Pacific – three typhoons are now active simultaneously, setting the stage for a highly unstable weather period not seen yet this year.
Unprecedented Typhoon Activity on the Pacific
On Thursday (July 24), Typhoon Krosa officially formed over the northwest Pacific, joining Typhoon Francisco and Typhoon Co-may. This is the first time this year that three named typhoons are active at once. While Krosa is not expected to affect China directly, the other two are already influencing East Asia's coastal weather.
Meteorologists warn that Francisco and Co-may are close enough – less than 1,300 kilometers apart – to potentially trigger the Fujiwhara Effect. This interaction could cause the two typhoons to rotate around each other, significantly complicating forecasting models and increasing uncertainty about their final paths and intensities.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds on the Horizon
As Francisco approaches from the southeast, Shanghai will experience increasingly unsettled weather. Starting Friday evening, scattered showers will become more widespread and heavier. The Pudong New Area (particularly its southern part) as well as suburban Fengxian and Jinshan districts are likely to see the heaviest rainfall.
Winds will shift to an easterly direction, reaching Level 5 to 6, with gusts up to Level 8 in coastal areas and along the Yangtze River Estuary.
On Saturday, the city will remain mostly cloudy with occasional showers throughout the day. Temperatures will peak around 32 degrees Celsius, though high humidity will make it feel warmer and more stifling than the thermometer suggests.
Public Events Begin to Shut Down
Due to the worsening weather, the popular evening light show "Lingang Moment: Ring of Time," scheduled for 8pm on Saturday, has been canceled.
The decision was made with public safety in mind. Organizers have apologized for any inconvenience caused and recommend following official Lingang channels for future updates or rescheduling information.
Weather Outlook for the Coming Days
Rainy and unstable conditions will persist into the beginning of next week. Intermittent showers are likely on Monday as easterly winds continue to dominate the regional pattern. However, by the middle of next week, weather models suggest a return to drier conditions, with more cloud cover than sunshine, but reduced rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to remain relatively consistent during this period, with daytime highs ranging from 31 to 33 degrees and nighttime lows between 27 and 28 degrees.
Emergency Measures and Coastal Alerts
In light of the forecast, the Ministry of Natural Resources has activated a Level 4 marine disaster emergency response for both Shanghai and Zhejiang Province. Yellow warnings for storm surge and blue warnings for offshore waves have been issued. Coastal production units, fishing operations, and marine farms are instructed to halt operations, secure facilities, and relocate as needed.
The China Meteorological Administration has also launched a Level 4 emergency response for major typhoon-related events. Given the possibility of shifting storm tracks, all affected regions are urged to stay alert and ready to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
A Perfect Storm of Environmental Factors
The sudden surge in typhoon formation is no coincidence. Meteorological analysts point to several contributing factors, including a northward-shifted subtropical high, elevated sea surface temperatures exceeding 28 degrees, abundant monsoon moisture, and a decrease in upper-level wind shear.
These conditions have created an exceptionally favorable environment for tropical cyclone development across the Pacific in recent weeks.
Since early July, the Pacific basin has remained active, and more tropical systems may follow as the season progresses.
Staying Safe Amid Uncertainty
Shanghai residents are advised to stay informed and exercise caution. With wind, rain, and uncertain storm movements ahead, outdoor activities should be minimized, especially near water. Pay close attention to weather alerts, secure loose items on balconies and rooftops, and plan for potential traffic and transit disruptions.
While the skies may soon darken, the city is well-prepared – and so are its people.