A powerful cold front is sweeping across China, bringing blizzards, high winds, and significant temperature drops that have disrupted travel nationwide. The National Meteorological Center has issued multiple weather alerts, warning of hazardous conditions impacting much of the country.
Beginning on Saturday and continuing through Monday, large regions in central and eastern China are bracing for a sharp decline in temperatures. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will plummet by 8 to 12 degrees Celsius in many areas. Some regions, including central Inner Mongolia, central and southern Shaanxi, central and northern Shanxi, western Henan, and the northern part of the Sichuan Plateau, are expecting even more drastic drops exceeding 14 degrees Celsius.
The heavy snowfall has already caused widespread disruption to road travel. As of Friday, 79 road sections have been affected by snow and icy conditions. This includes 25 major road closures impacting 17 highways, four national roads, three provincial roads, and numerous toll stations across several provinces. Reopening times for these roads remain uncertain, leaving travelers in limbo.
Snowfall is expected to continue impacting travel in the coming days. On Sunday and Monday, the focus of the heavy snowfall will shift northeastward, with significant accumulation anticipated in eastern Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, and Jilin provinces.
While snowfall in Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and western Henan is likely to subside by Sunday, accumulated snow is expected to persist due to continuing cold temperatures. The combination of deep snow and freezing conditions poses a significant challenge for road travel, particularly in mountainous areas where conditions can become treacherous.
Air travel is also being affected. Airports in the northeastern cities of Shenyang and Changchun may face flight delays and cancellations due to snow and icy runways from late Sunday through Tuesday morning. Flight delays are also expected at Kunming Airport in southwest China around Monday.
In a separate development, high winds in Xinjiang have led to the suspension of numerous train services on Friday. Passengers holding tickets for cancelled trains can obtain refunds or make alternative arrangements without incurring additional fees. Railway authorities are closely monitoring the weather and have stated that services will resume as soon as conditions improve. Travelers are advised to check the official 12306.cn website or contact railway customer service for the latest updates.
The severe weather event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by winter conditions in China. Residents are urged to stay informed of weather updates and exercise caution when traveling.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
