Year of the Pig: Lunar New Year 2019 forecast for celebrations around the world
Not everyone celebrates the New Year on January 1. Almost a fifth of the world's population celebrates the Chinese or Lunar New Year on February 5.
The Lunar New Year 2019 begins on Tuesday, Feb. 5, to welcome the Year of the Pig. Celebrations in cities around the world can last as long as two weeks, though the first seven days typically host the most family gatherings, New Year's markets, parades, firework displays and other public attractions.
While 1.3 billion people celebrate this holiday in China alone, many other countries host popular Lunar New Year events as well. Most of these are in eastern Asia, but many major cities around the world will host events in the coming weeks.
Beijing, China
A recent surge of milder air into parts of northeast China will continue into the first day of New Year's celebrations on Tuesday.
Sunshine will prevail much of the time this week along with dry and calm weather. These conditions will be favorable for the firework displays and markets throughout the city.
Ice sculptures at the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival may suffer from minor melting during the afternoon hours on Tuesday as temperatures rise to near 8 C (middle 40s F). Luckily, overnight temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, and cooler weather is in store for later in the week.
Snow flurries could move through the area at the end of the week, but major travel disruptions are not expected. Anyone heading out to enjoy outdoor festivities should dress appropriately for the chilly weather which will begin on Wednesday and continue into the weekend.
Hong Kong
Recent unseasonable warmth is expected to continue in Hong Kong through this week, with temperatures rising to 22-25 C (mid-70s F) each afternoon.
A huge peach blossom is displayed as Chinese New Year decorations at an office building in Hong Kong, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Chinese will celebrate the lunar new year on Feb. 5 this year which marks the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Rain-free conditions are also in the forecast, implying favorable weather for firework displays and float parades.
While a brief shower could dampen the island on Wednesday, largely dry weather is expected through the week. Conditions will remain unusually warm, so anyone heading out to enjoy street food and night markets in Hong Kong should dress appropriately and take care to stay well hydrated.
Bangkok, Thailand
The end of the hot, dry and hazy weather engulfing Bangkok is not expected to budge for the foreseeable future.
While anyone participating in New Year's festivities will appreciate the bright and rain-free conditions, both the heat and poor air quality could pose health threats. Those planning to spend time outdoors should take care to shield themselves from the sun, remain well-hydrated and perhaps invest in face masks to protect themselves from the hazardous air.
While government officials are requesting that traditional celebratory fireworks and incense not be lit this year due to the already dangerous air quality, open air markets, restaurants and parades can all still be enjoyed.
Singapore
Anyone planning to be out and about in Singapore next week enjoying fireworks, open air markets, street food, parades and other festivities can expect pleasantly seasonable and generally dry conditions.
A child laughs next to his mother at a temple in Jenjarom, Malaysia, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Chinese around the world will be celebrating the start of the Year of Pig on Feb. 5 this year in the Chinese lunar calendar. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)
Temperatures will rise to near 32 C (90 F) each afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Although a stray shower or two is not out of the question, it will be generally dry throughout the week.
United States
Many cities across the U.S. have a Chinatown, and the Lunar New Year celebrations in New York and San Francisco have been praised as the best.
Tuesday will feature springlike weather in New York City, with temperatures rising into the upper 50s F (14-15 C) with times of cloud and sun. A cooldown is in store for the middle and end of the week, along with a chance of rain. Highs will only rise into the middle 40s F (6-7 C) on Wednesday.
A dragon procession dances over firecracker wrappers during a Chinese New Year parade and celebration Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, in San Francisco. The Year of the Dog begins Friday as the Year of the Rooster comes to an end. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
With such changeable weather, it will be important for festivalgoers to check the local forecast each morning before heading out in case a jacket, rain boots or an umbrella are necessary to enjoy the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Manhattan's Chinatown.
On the other side of the country, wet weather will impact the San Francisco Bay Area during the beginning of the week. With cooler conditions and occasional rain on Tuesday, jackets and umbrellas will be needed. Dry weather will return for Wednesday and Thursday with a high temperature of around 13 C (55 F) each day.
Report a Typo
