A powerful cold air mass—the strongest to hit China in six months—is sweeping across the mainland, triggering sharp temperature plunges and rare snowfall in northern regions. The system began impacting the country on Thursday, with central Inner Mongolia and the eastern Northwest bearing the brunt of the chill, where some areas saw temperatures drop by over 10°C.
In response to the prolonged and widespread weather event, the Central Meteorological Observatory has issued multiple blue alerts for strong winds and heavy rain.
Key Weather Impacts (Friday–Saturday):
- Northern & Northeastern China: The cold front will primarily target North China, Northeast China, and the Huanghuai region. Heavy precipitation will persist from southwestern China (eastern sections) through the Huanghuai and Jianghuai areas.
- Northeastern Provinces: Rain and snow will continue, with Heilongjiang facing increasing snowfall.
- Record Lows in Northeast China: Harbin is forecast to reach a maximum of just 1°C on Friday—the lowest autumn reading since seasonal records began.
- Widespread Cold Across Northern China:
- Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei: Highs between 10–15°C from Friday onward.
- 0°C Line Shift: By Saturday, the 0°C minimum temperature line will extend into northern North China, while the 10°C line reaches southern Henan to northern Hubei.
- First Frost Alerts: Cities like Shenyang, Hohhot, and Xining will likely see their first sub-0°C lows this autumn.
Southern China Cools Down (Starting Saturday):
- Temperature Drop: Maximums will shift from above-average to below-average, with fewer areas exceeding 30°C.
- Jiangnan & South China: By next Monday, most regions will see highs below 20°C, with some Jiangnan areas dipping to around 15°C.
Heavy Rain & Snow (Thursday–Friday):
- Intense Downpours: The system delivered its heaviest rainfall from western China to the Huanghuai region, with particularly extreme precipitation near the Hubei-Chongqing border.
- Snow in Inner Mongolia: Northern parts of Inner Mongolia saw early snowfall.
- Torrential Rain in Chongqing & Guizhou: Localized heavy rain (100–120 mm) fell, accompanied by short-lived intense downpours, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
