A significant cold wave is set to sweep across central and eastern China from Wednesday through next Tuesday, bringing heavy snow and rain to vast regions. This cold front is anticipated to impact the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush, as millions journey across the country to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
According to the National Meteorological Center, light to moderate snow or sleet has already begun affecting areas including the Ili River valley in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, central and southern parts of northwest China’s Qinghai Province, southeastern parts of north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as well as regions in northeast and north China.
In some parts of Qinghai Province, temperatures plummeted to a frigid minus 31.8 degrees Celsius on Monday due to heavy snowfall. Local meteorological departments forecast that most areas of the province will continue to experience snowy conditions from Tuesday night until Saturday.
As the cold wave progresses, freezing rain is expected to strike the northern part of central China’s Hubei Province on Wednesday. Moderate to heavy rain will affect eastern parts of the Jianghuai and Jianghan regions, the northern part of Jiangnan—a region located south of the Yangtze River—as well as the northern areas of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The impending weather conditions pose challenges for travelers during one of the busiest times of the year. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to heavy snowfall and freezing rain.
The Spring Festival, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year, is a significant cultural event in China. The annual travel rush, known as “Chunyun,” is considered the largest human migration, with people returning to their hometowns to reunite with family. The severe weather could lead to transportation delays and cancellations, affecting the plans of many commuters.
Transportation and emergency services are on high alert to mitigate the impact of the cold wave. Measures are being taken to ensure road safety, including the deployment of snow removal equipment and the monitoring of key transportation hubs.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to dress warmly, prepare for potential disruptions, and prioritize safety during travel. The National Meteorological Center will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
