NMC issues Orange alert for severe cold, China

Severe weather warnings have been issued across China, with temperatures set to plummet in the south and Beijing experiencing snowy conditions. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has renewed an Orange alert, indicating significant temperature drops of 6 to 12 °C (10.8 to 21.6 °F) in southern regions and more than 20 °C (36 °F) in some areas. Beijing saw up to 4.1 cm (1.6 inches) of snow, affecting traffic and pedestrian safety. In Xinjiang, a new record low of -52.3 °C (-62.14 °F) was set, breaking a 64-year-old record.

Severe weather warnings are in effect across China on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with an intense cold wave causing temperatures to drop significantly across the country. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has issued an Orange alert, the second-highest level in China’s four-tier weather warning system, forecasting a drastic drop in temperatures.

In the southern regions, temperatures are expected to decrease by 6 to 12 °C (10.8 to 21.6 °F) from current levels around 0 °C (32 °F). Some areas might experience a more severe drop, exceeding 20 °C (36 °F).

The state news agency Xinhua reported the NMC’s advisories for local governments to prepare for the cold spell, urging the public to stay warm and take measures to safeguard crops and aquatic products. Beijing, the nation’s capital, experienced a significant snowfall overnight, leading to a blanket of snow covering the city.

This resulted in slowed traffic on highways and hazardous conditions for commuters and cyclists, with municipal authorities reporting snow accumulation of up to 4.1 cm (1.6 inches) in suburban areas.

Authorities have recommended that residents stagger their travel times, use public transportation, drive cautiously, and prioritize safety to navigate the icy conditions.

The cold wave’s impact was most severe in Fuyun County, Xinjiang, where temperatures plummeted to a record-breaking low of -52.3 °C (-62.14 °F), causing numerous bird fatalities due to freezing. This temperature broke the region’s previous record of -51.5 °C (-60.7 °F) set in 1960 and came close to the national record low of -53 °C (-63.4 °F) recorded in Mohe, Heilongjiang Province, last year.

The extreme weather has led to significant disruptions, especially following the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. In Xinjiang’s Altay region, 853 km (530 miles) of roads have been affected, prompting a massive snow removal effort involving 47 vehicles and 86 rescuers.

Road closures and toll station shutdowns have been reported across several regions, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang, affecting tens of thousands of travelers returning from holiday celebrations.

The National Meteorological Center forecasts that the cold weather will persist, with most parts of China experiencing a drop in temperatures by 8 to 12 °C (14.4 to 21.6 °F) from Monday to Thursday, February 22. Regions such as Hunan, Guizhou Province, and northeastern China are expected to see temperature decreases exceeding 20 °C (36 °F).

References:

¹ China issues highest weather alert as temperatures plunge – AFP – February 21, 2024

² Xinjiang records lowest temperature in history at -52.3 °C (-62.1 °F), China – The Watchers – February 20, 2024

Featured image credit: Ventusky/GFS.