Typhoon Kong-rey approaching Zhejiang. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

This autumn, Hangzhou residents have noticed fewer sunny days and more rainy ones, with brief blooming periods for osmanthus flowers due to prolonged wet weather. Over half of the days since the start of autumn have been rainy and have often disrupted the floral season.

Oct 29 brought a sunny respite, likely the clearest it would be for the coming week. However, the weather will take a dramatic turn beginning Oct 31 as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches, compounded by a strong cold front.

The Hangzhou meteorological observatory reports that Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of the year, intensified to a super typhoon early on Oct 30. Its center, positioned about 580 kilometers southeast of Taitung, Taiwan, is seeing winds up to 55 meters per second (level-16 intensity) with a central pressure of 930 hectopascal. It's expected to reach speeds of 58–62 m/s and could make landfall on Taiwan's eastern coast on Oct 31 before shifting toward China's eastern coast toward Zhejiang and Fujian.

Hangzhou is forecasted to experience heavy rainfall from the night of Oct 31 through Nov 1, particularly in eastern districts, including downtown, Linping, Yuhang, Qiantang, and Fuyang. Rainfall will taper off by Nov 2, with sunshine anticipated to return by Nov 3.

Hangzhou is shadowed by thunderstorms this summer. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]