Shenzhen braces for torrential rain and severe thunderstorms

Shenzhen is expected to face heavy to torrential rain and severe thunderstorms from this afternoon through Friday, with authorities warning of flooding, traffic disruptions and strong winds.

The Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory said the city could experience intense rainfall, thunderstorms and short bursts of winds reaching around Force 8 between today and tomorrow.

Parts of northern Guangdong have already been hit by severe storms, with some areas in Shaoguan and Heyuan recording more than 200 millimeters of rainfall alongside thunderstorm winds of up to Force 10.

A rainfall projection map shows parts of the Pearl River Delta and northern Guangdong facing heavy to torrential rainfall as a strong storm system moves across the province from 8 p.m. yesterday to 8 p.m today. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory

Forecasters said Shenzhen would remain mostly cloudy with scattered showers during the morning before storm activity strengthens later in the day. Radar imagery showed active rain clouds developing around the city and neighboring regions.

Authorities urged residents to monitor weather alerts and prepare for possible urban flooding, swollen rivers and flooding in underground spaces. Drivers were also warned about reduced visibility and slippery roads during heavy rain.

Across Guangdong, meteorologists said parts of the Pearl River Delta could see exceptionally heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with isolated risks of hail and tornadoes during severe thunderstorms.

The stormy conditions follow a day of clear skies and sunshine in Shenzhen, a pattern forecasters say often precedes strong convective weather during South China’s rainy season.

A seven-day weather forecast shows heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across the city from today to May17, with conditions gradually improving early next week.