Beijing, home to over 21 million residents, is bracing for a significant cold wave as meteorological authorities issued a blue alert on Sunday. The Chinese capital is preparing for sharp temperature drops and severe weather conditions expected to grip the city in the coming days.
According to forecasts, rain and snow are set to begin on Sunday night and continue until Monday noon, with blizzard conditions anticipated in some mountainous areas. Following the precipitation, strong winds and freezing temperatures are expected to dominate through Wednesday.
In response to the impending weather, Beijing’s urban management authorities have mobilized extensive resources to ensure public safety and maintain normal operations. Over 35,000 personnel, 5,121 snow-clearing vehicles, and more than 4,600 pieces of snow-removal machinery have been placed on standby to handle expected snow and ice accumulation.
“Rain and snow will significantly diminish visibility and create slippery road conditions,” said Zhao Wei, chief forecaster at the Beijing Meteorological Center. “Residents are urged to drive cautiously, monitor road conditions, and avoid outdoor activities in mountainous areas where snow and ice could pose risks.”
The National Meteorological Center also renewed blue alerts on Sunday morning for cold waves and strong winds, warning of sharp temperature drops and powerful winds expected to affect parts of the country in the coming days.
China employs a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe conditions, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. The blue alert indicates the need for preparedness and caution among the public and relevant authorities.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed safety instructions from local authorities as Beijing faces this bout of severe winter weather.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
