National meteorological authorities have announced that China will face its first significant cold wave of the year from Saturday through Wednesday, with central and eastern parts enduring the most severe winter conditions seen so far.
Between January 17 and 21, the cold front is projected to advance from north to south over most of the country, ushering in abrupt temperature plunges, rainfall, snowfall, powerful winds, and icy conditions. In large areas of central and eastern China, temperatures are likely to drop by 6–12 °C, while some places could see decreases greater than 12 °C, with certain southern zones possibly cooling by as much as 16 °C.
Zhang Tao, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center, explained that the cold wave will produce widespread rain, snow, and icy weather. High alert has been issued for provinces such as Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, and Anhui, where heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice buildup are probable.
Southern China is expected to suffer the worst impacts, especially along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Because temperatures had remained relatively mild before the arrival of the cold air, regions like Jianghan and Jiangnan may undergo especially steep temperature falls, with many sites likely to register their coldest readings of the winter season.
From Monday to Wednesday, freezing rain could affect sections of Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou. Meteorologists cautioned that during this episode, the threat from freezing rain might exceed that of heavy snow, creating serious hazards for transport networks, electricity infrastructure, and public safety.
On Saturday morning, the National Meteorological Center reissued a blue cold‑wave warning. By January 21, the zero‑degree Celsius isotherm is forecast to shift southward into areas such as southern Guizhou, southern Hunan, central Jiangxi, and southern Zhejiang.
Central and eastern China are also predicted to encounter the most extensive and intense spell of rain, snow, and freezing weather since winter began. Although total rainfall amounts may not reach extreme levels, the weather pattern is anticipated to linger for several days, producing extended periods of precipitation and swiftly shifting conditions—such as changes from rain to sleet, freezing rain, and snow.
In preparation, national agencies have sent teams to provinces including Shanxi, Anhui, and Guizhou to evaluate potential risks and put preventive actions in place as the cold wave unfolds.
