Waiting for Winter

Unlike the US where winter is declared on an arbitrary day, China officially declares winter when the average daily temperature falls below 10 degrees Celcius (50 degrees F) for five straight days. Reports were abound last week that a cold front was afoot and winter would likely be ushered in. Friday afternoon the temps started to drop, and Saturday and Sunday did bring about chilly weather - highs in the 30s, from the previous week's averages in the 50s. Winter coats, hats, scarves, and mittens were dug out of closets everywhere. Clear blue skies and starry nights kept the temperature low. Ok, I won't go that far - I didn't actually see stars. Normally, a low cloud of pollution over the city helps keep our temperatures mild during the day and night. Alas, Monday morning brought a return to higher temps, and by Tuesday afternoon, we were back in the 60s. According to Fu Yi, a forecaster for the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, "The warm weather retarded the city's move into winter." (I really can't top a statement like that)

With this week's predicted high temperatures ranging from 66 to 50 degrees F, I guess we'll have to wait a bit longer for winter.

*Picture above courtesy of Tracy, taken last February during Shanghai's biggest snowfall in 20 years.