As Shenzhen sits and waits to see the impact of Super Typhoon Usagi (it is expected to hit Hong KOng head-on, we usually feel a lesser impact because Hong Kong and the new territories shelter us from the brunt of the storm but we are on yellow alert) I think about the weather in Shenzhen.
By and large it is mostly hot in Shenzhen. And Humid. Today for instance is 36C, 48C with the humidity. And in the winter it doesn't get too cold. By 10C people have pulled out their parkas. In a place that is perpetually damp and has no central heating the cold does get into your bones.
I have also noticed that weather forecasts are generally as reliable here as they are anywhere in the world. By and large most weather forecasting outlets are not to be trusted. I have found that my friend Mike over in HK usually has the most accurate storm updates. Other than that I have to rely on the system I have developed after a year of living here. It goes like this:
By and large it is mostly hot in Shenzhen. And Humid. Today for instance is 36C, 48C with the humidity. And in the winter it doesn't get too cold. By 10C people have pulled out their parkas. In a place that is perpetually damp and has no central heating the cold does get into your bones.
I have also noticed that weather forecasts are generally as reliable here as they are anywhere in the world. By and large most weather forecasting outlets are not to be trusted. I have found that my friend Mike over in HK usually has the most accurate storm updates. Other than that I have to rely on the system I have developed after a year of living here. It goes like this:
- Men & Women using umbrellas - it is raining
- Women using umbrellas - it is sunny
- People carrying umbrellas and not using them - they are smart and know the weather here can change at any moment.
- People wearing sweaters - it is probably around 20C
- People wearing parkas - it is probably around 10C - note, this does not apply to babies and small children who seem to be swaddle in multiple layers whatever the weather - poor kiddies can't move their arms.
- Foreigners sweating profusely - it is probably above 15C but humid.
The most accurate weather gauge I have found is with men and their shirts. It works like this:
- wearing a sweater - about 20C
- wearing a t-shirt only - it is a warm, comfortable day - probably 25C
- same t-shirt is rolled up to expose their belly - it's getting warmer, nearing 30C
- same t-shirt lifted up and tucked behind their head it is hitting 30C (like this picture but all the way behind the head - sorry for the picture, I couldn't find a reference photo but I did find this awesome fun in my search - Babies Wearing Watermelons)
- And you know it is hot when the shirt is off & flung over the shoulder or tucked in the back of the pants
The men's t-shirt approach of weather forecasting does not discriminate on body type - the bigger the belly the more you rub it seems to be the only difference.
And that is how I tell the weather in Shenzhen. Judging by view out my window, it hot.
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