Tourists brave the wind and rain at Yuyuan Garden.
The Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow lightning alert at 3:22pm on Thursday.
The second-lowest alert in a four-tier system predicts heavy thunderstorm activity within six hours, potentially causing citywide lightning strikes and other hazards.
Residents should stay alert, take precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during this high-risk period.
China Weather has released a lightning safety guide for outdoor workers, sports fans, families and drivers to keep the public safe.
Yellow lightning alert: a high likelihood of lightning activity within the next six hours, or that lightning has already occurred and may continue to affect the area.
Your lightning safety checklist
Outdoor workers
- Take shelter in a building or cave – never under a tree.
- If there is no shelter, squat with feet together, arms around knees, and head down.
- Wear rubber boots and raincoats to reduce the risk.
- Don't carry tools like shovels or hoes over your shoulder.
Outdoor activities
- Remove metal items like keys, jewelry or glasses.
- Please exit the water promptly if you are swimming or boating.
- If you are on high ground, move to lower areas if possible.
- Keep a distance from others to avoid group injury from a strike.
At home
- Close windows and doors; don't touch window frames.
- Unplug appliances and avoid using phones or Internet devices.
- Stay away from water pipes, heaters and damp walls.
- Don't shower with solar water heaters during a storm.
Driving during a storm
- Don't park on open high ground or under trees.
- Turn off radios and retract external antennas.
- Stay inside the car with windows closed.
- Don't touch the metal parts of the car.
- Avoid using your phone inside the car.
Stay tuned to local weather updates and take precautions seriously. A few simple actions can make all the difference when the skies turn electric. Stay safe, Shanghai!