Most Chinese metropolitan regions have experienced rapid urbanization. Cities lying in coastal areas are prone to severe weather events. The meteorological hazards expose greater numbers of developed areas a variety of inhabitants to increased risk. This paper attempts to characterize how urbanization process, as well as monsoon climatic oscillations, affects Shanghai's vulnerability to severe weather conditions. To assess how regional urbanization may impact vulnerability to droughts and floods, an analysis examining potential rhythmic variations was implemented. Our results indicated that the centennial scale metrological droughts and floods were a function of monsoon climate, while the decadal metrological oscillations in recent one and half centuries were primarily modified by the anthropogenic behaviors and resulting hydrologic characteristics. In view of the wide distribution, the meteorological droughts and floods are key issues for long-term social-economic harmonization in Shanghai. This study can assist in prioritizing disaster mitigation measures and ensuring regional sustainable development in the study area.