China's temperature drop forecast map from Saturday to Wednesday Photo: Screenshot from China Meteorological Administration's official WeChat account

A powerful cold wave sweeping across large parts of China is bringing sharp temperature drops from Saturday to Wednesday, along with strong winds, widespread snow and freezing rain, prompting multiple local governments to suspend classes and activate emergency responses, according to media reports on Monday. 

China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday evening issued multiple weather alerts, including a yellow alert for cold waves, a blue alert for heavy snow and a yellow alert for icing, warning that from Saturday night to Wednesday, large parts of central and eastern China, including the Huanghuai, Jianghuai, Jiangnan regions and parts of South China, will experience sharp temperature drops, strong winds and widespread rain and snow. 

Heavy snowfall is expected in parts of Shaanxi, Henan, Anhui and Hubei provinces, while freezing rain and ice accumulation may affect areas in Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou provinces as well as Chongqing Municipality, posing elevated risks to transportation and daily life, CCTV News reported. 

As the cold wave and heavy snow intensified, multiple provinces announced class suspensions. In East China's Anhui Province, education authorities in several cities suspended in-person classes at kindergartens as well as primary and secondary schools. In Central China's Henan Province, cities including Zhoukou and Zhumadian issued similar notices due to heavy snowfall. In East China's Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou announced a two-day suspension of classes for primary and secondary schools and kindergartens amid forecasts of heavy snowfall and severe icing, according to CCTV News. 

In response to the complex weather conditions, China's meteorological authorities said coordination with relevant departments has been strengthened across multiple sectors. In regions including Beijing, Shaanxi and Shandong, meteorological authorities issued risk alerts for road icing, snow accumulation and low visibility to support traffic safety measures, according to a release from the China Meteorological Administration's official WeChat account. 

Power and energy authorities in provinces such as Shaanxi, Shandong and Xinjiang took preventive steps to protect electricity and communication facilities from freezing rain. Agricultural departments in Henan, Shaanxi and parts of Hunan issued targeted advisories to reduce risks to crops, greenhouses and livestock. Local meteorological authorities in several areas also worked with health, emergency management and public security departments to enhance public alerts and emergency preparedness.

In a post released on the official WeChat account of China's Ministry of Emergency Management, meteorological experts advised the public to closely monitor the latest weather warnings and take measures to stay warm. Elderly people, children and those in poor health were urged to reduce outdoor activities during periods of extreme cold to avoid respiratory and cardiovascular risks. 

The post also warned that rain, snow and icy conditions could make roads slippery, calling on pedestrians to walk carefully and drivers to slow down, check tire traction and remain cautious when traveling on bridges, overpasses and other areas prone to icing.


Global Times