Yesterday's high of 26.2 degrees Celsius was just 0.2 degrees below the city's record high for the date, which was set in 1891.

Today's high should be 22 degrees, with the low expected to be 16, 3.7 degrees higher than yesterday, according to Dai Xinfu, chief meteorologist for the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau.

A warm, wet air mass from the southwest should bring rain to the city starting today and last for three to four days, local meteorologists said.

They also said rain is also in the forecast for April 5, the Qingming Festival when many people will head to nearby cities to pay homage to their ancestors by sweeping their tombs.

To ensure local residents have accurate forecasts for the festival, bureau officials said they have added weather reports to their 221 information line.

Last week saw the arrival in spring in Shanghai, which local meteorologists mark following five consecutive days with daily average temperatures above 10 degrees.

The average temperature this week will be between 13 and 14 degrees.

(eastday.com March 31, 2003)