ANN/CHINA DAILY – China is set to experience its harshest cold winter spell until Monday, with temperatures expected to drop by as much as 20 degrees Celsius (oC) in some areas, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).
After a period of mild, clear weather, a significant cold wave will bring sharp temperature declines, widespread rain and snow, and strong winds across the country.
The cold wave will move from west to east, starting in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and sweeping through northwestern regions by tomorrow.
It is forecast to reach central and eastern regions over the weekend and hit northeastern and southern parts by Monday, the CMA added.
Temperatures in most areas will decrease by 8oC to 12oC, with some regions – such as Hohhot in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region – experiencing drops of up to 20oC.
From Saturday to Tuesday, temperatures in Northwest and North China will hit new winter lows.
The eastern part of Northwest China and the central-western part of North China are expected to bear the brunt, with some areas seeing temperature drops exceeding 14oC.
The cold wave, combined with warm, moist air, will result in widespread precipitation, the CMA said.
Snowfall will primarily affect northern Xinjiang, while snow is forecast for the eastern parts of Northwest China, North China, and areas south of the Yangtze River from tomorrow to Saturday. Snow will continue in Northeast China on Sunday and Monday.
Heavy snow is expected in parts of southern Shaanxi and Shanxi, western Henan, northwestern Hubei, northeastern Liaoning, and eastern Jilin, the CMA said.
In southern China, rainy weather will dominate.
Rainfall will mainly impact the eastern part of Southwest China today, with light to moderate rain expected to spread to most southern regions from tomorrow to Sunday, the agency said.
The CMA noted that the cold wave and rain-snow conditions coincide with the Spring Festival travel rush, potentially affecting transportation.
It urged drivers to reduce speeds and maintain greater following distances when driving in snowy conditions.
