This year's plum rain season coincides with the start of China's national college entrance exams (Gaokao). In Shanghai's Qibao High School, parents are seen waiting in the rain.
Get your umbrellas ready – Shanghai officially enters the plum rain season today, June 7, marking the start of a wet, stormy stretch that's arriving 12 days earlier than usual.
This annual weather phenomenon, also known as the "yellow plum rains (黄梅)," typically brings persistent rainfall and high humidity.
But this year's plum rain is shaping up to be anything but typical – intense rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are all in the forecast for the coming days.
What to Expect: A Stormy Kick-off
From June 7-8, expect heavy rain across the city, with localized downpours, lightning, strong convection, and short bursts of intense rainfall.
During thunderstorms, wind gusts may reach levels 7-8.
Rainfall totals across the city are expected to range between 40 to 60 millimeters, with some areas potentially receiving 80 to 120 millimeters.
At peak intensity, rainfall could reach 30 to 50 millimeters per hour, especially during strong convective storms.
Rainfall will ease by late Sunday, giving way to mostly cloudy skies with intermittent showers.
Due to expected heavy rain, the "Lingang Moment: Ring of Time" light show scheduled for 8pm today has been cancelled. Please follow the official "Shanghai Lingang" WeChat account for future announcements.
Looking Ahead: Humidity Rises, Rain Lingers
From June 9-11, the plum rain band will shift slightly southward and weaken. Shanghai will sit on the northern edge of the system, bringing scattered rain and occasional thunderstorms.
Daytime temperatures will remain steady at 22–28 degrees Celsius, but humidity will climb, making the city feel sticky and muggy as the week goes on.
Why This Year Feels Different
Earlier Than Usual: Shanghai typically enters plum rain season around June 19, but this year's early arrival is setting the stage for a longer and potentially more intense rainy season.
Tropical Wild Card: Next week, a tropical disturbance near the Philippines may develop into Typhoon No. 1 of 2025. If it moves northwest, it could disrupt rain patterns in Shanghai. Stay tuned for updates.
Plum Rain by the Numbers: A Look Back at the Stats
According to long-term data from the benchmark Xujiahui Weather Station (1873–2024), Shanghai's average plum rain season lasts 21 days, typically running from June 19 to July 9.
On average, it brings 1.52 billion tons of rainfall across the city. The longest plum rain season on record lasted 58 days in 1954, while several years, including 2022, saw an almost complete absence of the season, known as "empty plum rain."
The wettest season on record occurred in 1999, with a staggering 778.0 millimeters of rainfall.
The hottest season was in 2007, when the average temperature reached 29.5 degrees Celsius, while the coldest was in 1961, with an average of just 21.7 degrees Celsius.
The earliest recorded onset of the plum rain was May 26, 1971, and the latest conclusion came on July 26, in both 1982 and 1998.
This historical perspective underscores just how variable and impacting the plum rain season can be for Shanghai.
Public Advisory: Stay Safe During Plum Rain
The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau reminds residents to take the following precautions:
Food safety: Prevent spoilage by storing food properly.
Skin care: High humidity can trigger skin problems – wear breathable clothing.
Home protection: Use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and dryers to reduce indoor moisture.
Mosquito control: Remove standing water and clean out potential breeding sites.
Travel precautions: Carry rain gear and monitor road conditions.
Weather updates: Follow official forecasts and warnings regularly.