The high temperature in Shanghai dropped to 34.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday from 35 degrees or above in the past 19 days.

The period from July 19 to August 6 was the longest continuous period of high temperature in the past 50 years in Shanghai. During the 19 days, two days recorded temperatures at 39.6 degrees, a 60-year record.

Cold air from the north and the approaching tropical storm Etauare the reasons behind the slight decrease of the local high temperature, said weather forecasters.

However, the local weather observatory warned that from August 9, the temperature will rebound to 35 degrees or above and the hot weather will stick around for another period of time.
 
 (People's Daily August 8, 2003)