The strongest cold air since the beginning of autumn is coming! Cold wave warnings issued in many places→
Starting today, October 18, a strong wave of cold air is set to sweep across northern China, marking the most significant drop in temperature since the onset of autumn. Many regions could see temperature declines exceeding 10°C, with some areas experiencing drops of 14°C or more. It’s definitely time to pull out those heavy winter clothes!
**Impact of the Cold Air on Northern Regions**
The Central Meteorological Administration forecasts a temperature decrease of 8°C to 10°C from October 18 to 19 in several areas, including parts of East Northwest China, Northeast China, and the eastern part of North China. More severely, some regions in Northern China and southern Northeast China could see drops between 10°C and 12°C, with local areas possibly exceeding 14°C.
From October 19 to 20, nighttime temperatures in most northern regions are expected to dip into single digits. The freezing line may reach central North China, with cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Zhengzhou experiencing minimum temperatures around 5°C, while Taiyuan could see a chilling low of approximately 1°C. By this Sunday, the freezing line will extend further into Inner Mongolia and northern Hebei.
Additionally, as of 6 AM today, a yellow wind warning has been issued. Strong winds of 5-6 levels, with gusts ranging from 7 to 8 levels, are anticipated in areas including most of Inner Mongolia, western Heilongjiang, and parts of Liaoning, Shandong, and Jiangsu. Some regions may even experience gusts reaching levels 8 to 9.
**Cold Wave Alerts Issued**
Several regions have already issued cold wave alerts. Specifically, Beijing has announced a blue cold wave warning, forecasting an over 10°C drop in temperatures from October 18 to 20. Nighttime temperatures in low-lying areas may fall to around 3°C, and wind gusts could reach approximately 7 levels in the afternoon and evening of the 18th.
Hebei has also issued a blue cold wave alert, expecting significant drops in temperatures from October 19 to 20, particularly in Shijiazhuang and Cangzhou, where temperatures may decrease by 10°C to 12°C, with some areas even dropping to 13°C to 14°C. Forecasts suggest morning lows around -10°C to 4°C in northern regions on the morning of the 20th.
Inner Mongolia is similarly on alert, with predictions of minimum temperatures dropping more than 8°C within 48 hours across several cities, likely leading to lows below 4°C.
In Tianjin, a blue cold wave warning has been issued as well, predicting drops in temperatures between 8°C and 10°C from October 18 to 20. By the morning of the 19th and 20th, northern areas could see temperatures as low as 1°C to 2°C.
**Heavy Rainfall Expected**
The weather system brought by this cold front is also ushering in significant rainfall. Due to the interaction of strong cold and warm air, a low-pressure system has intensified, leading to peak rainfall between the night of October 17 and the morning of October 18.
The Central Meteorological Administration predicts heavy rainfall in several regions, including eastern Henan, northern Jiangsu, and parts of Shandong and Hunan, with some areas like the Shandong Peninsula facing downpours of 20 to 40 millimeters, and isolated regions possibly exceeding 40 millimeters. Furthermore, parts of Northwestern Xinjiang and southeastern Tibet may experience moderate to heavy snow or sleet.
Experts are advising the public to take heed of these significant temperature changes, as colder weather can trigger health issues related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It’s crucial for individuals to stay warm, avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, and engage in indoor physical activity to remain active and avoid lingering in one place for too long.