China is forecast to face a wave of unstable weather over the coming week, as two consecutive cold air masses sweep across the country. These systems are expected to bring significant and repeated changes in temperature, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the nation, along with a broad increase in rain and snow activity, according to reports from CCTV News and the National Meteorological Center (NMC).
The first cold front, described as relatively weak, is set to begin affecting central and eastern China on Sunday and persist through Tuesday. It is expected to drive down temperatures by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, with some local areas possibly seeing a decrease of more than 8°C.
The initial temperature drop will start in Northwest China and quickly expand to cover the North China Plain, the Huanghuai area, and the Jianghan region. As the system progresses, the main cooling zone will gradually move southward. The NMC notes that northern regions are likely to feel the brunt of the cold, with most areas there experiencing a temporary dip below their normal seasonal temperature range.
This will be followed closely by a second, more powerful cold air mass arriving between Thursday and Saturday. This system is predicted to lower temperatures by 4 to 8°C across a wide area, including the northwest, central, and eastern parts of the country—with some places potentially facing reductions of around 10°C. Due to the rapid succession of these fronts, residents across China can expect notable and frequent shifts in temperature throughout the week.
For example, Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi Province, recorded a daytime high of 7.7°C on Friday. Forecasts show it falling to 0°C by Sunday, rising slightly on Monday, and then declining once again toward the freezing mark during the latter part of next week.
Alongside the cold, precipitation will become increasingly common starting Sunday. Between January 25 and 27, light snow or sleet is anticipated to sweep eastward across central and eastern Inner Mongolia, western and northern sections of North China, northeastern China’s midsection, and portions of the Huanghuai region. Meanwhile, light rainfall is projected for areas including Jianghan, Jianghuai, Jiangnan, South China, and Guizhou, with moderate showers expected in certain zones.
Looking further ahead, from January 29 to 31, eastern parts of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, eastern Northwest China, North China, the Huanghuai and Jianghuai areas, as well as western Hubei and northwestern Hunan, are forecast to receive light to moderate snow or sleet. Heavier snow is possible in some locations, and there is a risk of freezing rain in parts of western Hubei, eastern Guizhou, and northwestern Hunan. At the same time, most of the Jiangnan and South China regions are likely to see light to moderate rain.
In summary, the country should prepare for a week of alternating cold snaps, strong winds, and increased wintry precipitation, with the potential for travel disruptions and health-related concerns due to the sudden and severe changes in weather.
