Current Weather in Shanghai

China, with its vast territory and diverse climates, has deeply rooted meteorological awareness in the lives and cultures of its people since ancient times. The following presents representative perspectives in 4 to 6 points.

China's Vastness and Diverse Climate Zones

Diversity of Climate Classification

• The southern coastal areas experience a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and relatively mild winters.
• The northern inland areas have a continental climate, where summers are dry and short, and winters are extremely cold.
• Highland regions, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, have an altitudinal climate with significant daily temperature variations.

Influence on Regional Culture

• Different regions have developed unique agricultural practices and traditional lifestyles.
• For instance, Yunnan Province is known for its highland vegetables, Fujian Province for its tea culture, and the northeast for its frozen dumplings (dongbing), indicating the close relationship between climate and food culture.

Lunar Calendar and the Twenty-Four Solar Terms in Life

Agricultural Ceremonies Based on the Calendar

• The twenty-four solar terms, such as the spring equinox and winter solstice, serve as guides for agricultural activities, and the timing of festivals and offerings align with them.
• Traditions such as "Welcoming Spring" at the start of spring and harvesting festivals during the cold dew period remain.

Delicate Awareness of the Seasons

• Changes in temperature and weather are closely monitored for each solar term, and names (such as "minor cold" and "major heat") are still used in daily language.

Seasonal Events and Their Connection to Climate

Spring Festival and Climate Events

• The Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) celebrates the end of the cold period with firecrackers and lantern festivals.
• Thorough cleaning and New Year dishes symbolize "warding off evil" and "praying for a bountiful harvest in the new year."

Mid-Autumn Festival and Weather Observation

• The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the autumn full moon, expressing gratitude for stable weather during the harvest season.
• Traditions of mooncakes, moon-viewing lanterns, and family gatherings have developed.

Meteorological Consideration in Daily Life

Emphasis on Weather Forecasting

• It is common to check daily temperatures, precipitation probabilities, and yellow dust information through television or smartphone apps.
• Decisions regarding mask-wearing and laundry or outings are based on forecasts of yellow dust and PM2.5 concentrations.

Adaptations in Architecture and Clothing

• Architectural styles adapted to the climate, such as oiled paper umbrellas, tiled roofs, and traditional houses with good ventilation (siheyuan), have developed.
• Different materials like silk, hemp, and cotton are used according to the seasons to respond to climate variability.

Natural Disasters and Disaster Prevention Awareness

Preparedness for Floods and Droughts

• In the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, regular flooding and droughts have historically led to an emphasis on the construction of levees and irrigation facilities.
• In rural areas, traditional water management associations are organized to collaboratively manage water resources and protect crops.

Modern Disaster Prevention Measures

• Early warning systems utilizing meteorological satellites and radar observations have been established.
• In urban areas, measures against urban floods are being advanced through rainwater storage facilities and drainage pumps.

Summary

China's climate awareness is multilayered, intricately linked to its vast regional climate diversity and long history, encompassing calendars, agriculture, festivals, and living infrastructure.