Heavy rain expected during exam period

Frequent thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain are forecast during the Shenzhen High School Entrance Examination period, which runs from Thursday through Saturday, according to local weather authorities.

High school entrance exam takers exit Futian Chuangxin Middle School Affiliated to Shenzhen University in the rain after completing the Chinese test yesterday. Liu Xudong

A tropical depression that formed over the South China Sea at 2 p.m. Wednesday made landfall at Wengtian Township in Wenchang City, Hainan Province, at 5:20 a.m. Thursday. It made a second landfall around 10 a.m. Thursday in Xuwen, Zhanjiang, in Guangdong Province.

Although the system is relatively weak, its outer cloud bands have brought wind and rain to much of Guangdong. As a result, rain clouds have moved inland, creating unstable conditions in Shenzhen, with frequent showers expected throughout the day.

A satellite cloud map shows South China after a tropical depression made its second landfall around 10 a.m. yesterday in Xuwen, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. Courtesy of Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau 

The forecast for tomorrow calls for cloudy to overcast skies with intermittent thundershowers and temperatures ranging from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Showers are expected to continue over the weekend, with heavier rainfall possible from Saturday through Monday. Rain is forecast to taper off between July 1 and 3, with a return to hotter, more stable conditions.

During the final two days of the exam period, today and Saturday, Shenzhen is expected to remain cloudy with frequent showers and regional downpours. Temperatures will range from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius. Authorities advise students and their families to monitor weather updates and plan transportation accordingly.

A seven-day weather forcast for Shenzhen from today to July 3. Courtesy of Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau

Reminder:

Examination takers should monitor weather updates and make travel arrangements in advance during the examination period, as thundershowers are expected to intensify, with rain likely occurring in the early morning or afternoon. Midday temperatures will be high, so examination takers are advised to take precautions against heat and stay cool.