SHANGHAI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai has experienced the hottest year in 2007 since the city began to record weather in 1873, with an average temperature of 18.4 Celsius degrees, said meteorologist on Saturday.

    The year's average in 2007 is 2.2 Celsius degrees more than the long-term average temperature of 16.2 degrees, and is even 0.1 Celsius degree more than that of last year, said Shen Yu, senior engineer with the municipal meteorological bureau.

    "Especially in February, May and July, the monthly average temperature was the highest that so far has been recorded," said Shen.

    Shen said the temperature rising is not out of expectation under the influence of global warming, but the hot weather has left Shanghai's daily consumption of power and water during summer increase.

    The meteorologist said the temperature in the coming January will be again higher than average, but the city will see strong wind and a notable drop in temperature around the New Year's day.

    "The temperature may drop six to eight Celsius degrees to go below zero in the morning and the citizens should put on more clothes where they are at outdoors," said Shen.