Shenzhen heat to ease as thunderstorms return

Shenzhen’s prolonged spell of hot weather is expected to ease from Friday as thunderstorms become more frequent, although the change will bring a heightened risk of locally heavy rain and strong winds.

Children cool off in the splash fountain at Sea World Square in Shekou as temperatures soar across Shenzhen. The city recorded a high of 36.4 C in some areas amid a spell of intense heat during the weekend. Hu Lei

The city’s orange alert for high temperatures remained in effect this afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius across much of Shenzhen. Conditions were broadly similar to yesterday, leaving residents facing another day of intense heat.

Temperatures hover around 33 C across much of Shenzhen yesterday afternoon as the city’s orange alert for high temperatures remains in effect. Courtesy of Shenzhen Weather via Weibo

The Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory forecast cloudy weather with brief showers or thunderstorms tomorrow, when daytime conditions will remain hot.

From Friday through Sunday, showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more frequent, with locally heavy rain possible. The increased rainfall should bring relief from the persistent heat, but conditions are likely to remain humid.

Shenzhen’s six-day forecast shows thunderstorms becoming more frequent from Friday, bringing relief from the prolonged heat but raising the risk of locally heavy rain. Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory

The change comes as thunderstorms spread across Guangdong under the influence of the remnants of Typhoon White Dolphin. The storm weakened into a tropical depression over Hubei Province yesterday, and China’s national observatory stopped tracking it at 5 p.m. after its circulation center became difficult to identify.

The weakening of a tropical cyclone does not necessarily mean its weather impacts have ended. Its residual circulation may continue to interact with other weather systems, producing heavy rain and strong winds over a wide area.

Forecast maximum temperatures across Guangdong range from 34 C to 37.4 C between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today. Courtesy of Guangdong Weather via Weibo

The Guangdong Meteorological Observatory forecast more widespread thunderstorms across the province Thursday and Friday. Some areas could experience intense rainfall and gusts of around Force 8, or up to about 74 kilometers per hour.

Shenzhen residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity around midday while the heat alert remains in force and to stay hydrated. Outdoor workers should take additional precautions against heat exposure.

Meteorological authorities also warned that the accumulated atmospheric instability associated with the hot weather could trigger localized downpours, lightning and short-lived strong winds. Residents should monitor the latest forecasts and alerts before traveling or planning outdoor activities.