Typhoon Pulasan Takes Aim at Shanghai: What You Need to Know

Hey, Shanghai folks, buckle up because Typhoon Pulasan (or should we say "Pulasan, the persistent?") is on its way, and it's decided to make a pit stop much closer to us than previously thought. Originally forecasted to make landfall further south in Zhejiang, Pulasan has shifted its trajectory and is now headed straight for Shanghai's Pudong coastline. Stormy weather is set to make itself known this afternoon and hang around well into the night. On top of this, another Typhoon is forecasted to be forming at Pulasan, Typhoon Soulik. Expect transportation disruptions (read down for more).

At 2:30pm today, four districts including Pudong, Chongming, Jinshan and Fengxian all upgraded the Typhoon Blue Alert to a Typhoon Yellow Alert: Due to the influence of Typhoon "Pulasan," the 14th of this year, it is expected that the wind force in the district will strengthen to gusts above level 10 from this afternoon until early tomorrow morning.

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The Latest: Path and Timing Adjustments

As of this morning, Pulasan has intensified into a strong tropical storm, with the center located roughly 255 kilometers off the coast of Zhejiang's Xiangshan at 1pm. Pulasan is pushing northwest at a speed of 30-35 km/h, with wind speeds near the center hitting a solid level 10 (that's 25 m/s for those keeping track).

Initially, meteorologists predicted a southern landfall in Zhejiang between Yuhuan and Xiangshan, but this fast-moving storm had other ideas. It's now forecasted to touch down somewhere between Xiangshan and (drumroll, please) Shanghai's very own Pudong later today, between the afternoon and the night.

And here's where it gets tricky – there's still a chance it could keep shifting northward as the subtropical high-pressure system weakens. So yeah, stay tuned, because Pulasan might be keeping us on our toes until the very last moment.

Winds, Rain, and "Maybe More Rain"

From 2pm today until tomorrow, expect winds to whip up to 9-11 levels (about 23-30 m/s) in areas close to the typhoon's core. Shanghai's coastal regions, especially in Pudong and along the Yangtze River estuary, will see gusts of 8-9, possibly higher. And for all of us city-dwellers, don't be surprised to see rain (and plenty of it) in bursts of 60-90mm, with hourly rates possibly spiking between 30-50mm. It's one of those "carry-an-umbrella-but-still-get-soaked" kind of days.

Oh, and for those of you hoping for a quick stormy goodbye? Not happening. Unlike its predecessor Bebinca, which made a quicker exit, Pulasan is likely to linger a little longer. Its impact on wind and rain could last for around three days, possibly dragging out until September 21-22 as it combines with a descending cold front. Long story short, expect rain, more rain, and even some violent downpours that could push past the weekend.

Cool Breeze Incoming (Finally!)

While no one's really thrilled about another typhoon, there is a silver lining (kind of). Typhoon Pulasan is set to bring some much-needed cooler weather. That sticky, stubborn humidity we've been sweating through? Gone. Expect a significant drop in temperatures next week, with the mercury finally dipping into the mid-to-low 20s, ending what feels like an endless Shanghai summer.

Traffic, Transport, and the Usual Typhoon Disruptions

Heads up, Shanghai travelers: the Railway Administration has dropped the news we were all expecting. Thanks to Typhoon Pulasan's not-so-gentle approach, we're looking at widespread delays and cancellations across local railway stations. If you're heading out on Thursday, expect suspended trains or routes getting cut short, especially on lines like the Hangzhou-Shenzhen and Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou high-speed railways.

The railway authorities are watching Pulasan's every move and will be tweaking schedules accordingly. If you're wondering whether your train's still on track, keep an eye on the 12306 platform or check the official railway announcements.

Shanghai Tower Upper Floors Closed:

And in case you were planning to snag some half-price tickets for the Shanghai Tourism Festival on Thursday, here's the latest: the 126th floor of Shanghai Tower – yes, the one with the damper show – is off-limits thanks to Pulasan. Tickets for the damper show are currently marked as "unavailable" on the Shanghai Tower's ticketing platform, so maybe hold off on your high-rise adventure for now.

Stay safe and stay dry, folks.

Typhoon Pulasan: The Stats

- Current status: Strong tropical storm

- Wind speed: 9-11 levels (23-30 m/s)

- Landfall: Expected this afternoon to night between Xiangshan (Zhejiang) and Shanghai's Pudong

- Movement speed: 30-35 km/h towards the northwest

- Duration: Effects expected to last up to three days

- Heavy rain: 60-90mm (with potential for localized storms up to 180mm in some areas)

The Big Picture

If it feels like typhoons are suddenly all the rage, you're not wrong. Since September started, we've had a parade of storms, including Typhoon Bebinca, and now Pulasan. What's going on? It's all tied to the subtropical high-pressure system weakening, allowing more tropical systems to form. The West Pacific is an active mess right now, and to make things even more interesting, Typhoon Soulik has just been born, with potentially more to come next week.

So yeah, keep your umbrella (and patience) handy. This storm season has a little way to go yet. Stay safe, and as always, follow official updates closely – there's no telling when Pulasan might decide to change its mind again.

Stay dry out there, Shanghai.