Severe weather warning issued as cold wave sweeps across country

A powerful surge of Arctic air is sweeping across much of China, triggering a severe weather warning as temperatures plunge and snow and ice spread from the north into central, eastern and southern regions. The National Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for a cold wave, alongside freezing and blizzard alerts in parts of Shaanxi, Henan, Anhui and Hubei. In Beijing, an eye-catching burst of heavy snow over the weekend turned the city into a winter landscape and dominated social media conversations.

Beijing blanketed as rare setup fuels big flakes

From Saturday into Sunday, the capital saw markedly heavier accumulation in the western hills than in downtown neighborhoods. Forecasters attribute the event to a “return-flow” configuration: moisture swept inland from Bohai Bay and was lifted over Beijing’s western terrain, where cloud temperatures near minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Celsius favored rapid crystal growth. As the snow fell, crystals collided and clumped, producing outsized, downy flakes that piled up quickly.

Nationwide cold wave: sharp drops and widespread precipitation

Forecasters expect the cold spell to intensify through Monday before gradually easing midweek. Between Sunday and Wednesday, strong northerly winds will drive a rapid decline in temperatures—generally 6 to 12 C lower, with some pockets tumbling by 16 C or more—accompanied by widespread snow and rain. The system is moving slowly and is laden with moisture: snowfall began in North China on Saturday, strengthened over Henan and Shandong on Sunday, and is likely to become most expansive on Monday.

First broad freezing rain of the season

The cold wave is also ushering in this winter’s first extensive episode of freezing rain and sleet. From Monday through Wednesday, mixed precipitation is expected over parts of Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou, as well as in Chongqing. Hunan and Guizhou, in particular, may face prolonged icing on roads, power lines and trees, elevating risks to transport and energy infrastructure.

Emergency response and preparedness

In anticipation of cascading impacts, the national disaster prevention and relief commission activated a Level IV emergency response, the baseline level in its four-tier system, to address potential damage from low temperatures, snow and ice in Anhui, Henan, Hunan and Guizhou. Response teams already working in Henan are continuing on-site support, with additional personnel deployed to Hunan and Guizhou to guide local preparations. Authorities have urged all relevant departments to coordinate closely and plan for worst-case scenarios as holiday travel ramps up ahead of the Spring Festival.

Xinjiang endures brutal cold

Across the northwest, northern Xinjiang recorded some of the most extreme lows of the outbreak. In Qinghe county, Altay prefecture, the mercury fell to around minus 40.8 C over the weekend. Residents described air so sharp that breaths froze on scarves within moments, with homestay operators in scenic villages reporting prolonged periods near minus 38 C.

From unseasonably mild to suddenly frigid

Earlier this month, temperatures ran unusually high for the depths of winter, ranking among the warmest such periods on record. The abrupt swing has heightened the shock factor now, with many people experiencing the cold as especially biting. Meteorologists note that the slow-moving nature of this air mass and its ample moisture are combining to extend the duration and reach of snow and ice hazards. It’s a pattern that underscores the volatility of winter weather in a warming climate: while long-term averages are rising, the atmosphere can still deliver intense cold snaps, particularly when large-scale circulation steers Arctic air south and taps into abundant moisture.

Transport, agriculture and energy systems on alert

Rail operators in central China have enacted contingency plans, inspecting and de-icing switches, clearing trackside snow and reinforcing maintenance patrols to keep services running safely. In Gansu, officials are advising growers to insulate greenhouses, protect winter crops and brace livestock shelters against high winds. Construction sites and roadside signage are being checked and reinforced to prevent wind damage. Energy providers are working to stabilize electricity, gas and heating networks as demand surges and ice loads increase on infrastructure.

What residents can do

• If you must travel, check for delays, carry emergency supplies and allow extra time. Avoid mountainous routes during heavy snowfall or icing.
• Dress in layers, cover extremities and limit outdoor exposure during peak wind chill. Keep a close eye on children, older adults and anyone with chronic illness.
• Use space heaters and stoves safely—ensure ventilation, keep flammables away and never use outdoor equipment indoors.
• Protect pipes from freezing, clear snow from building entrances and roofs, and remove ice from walkways to prevent falls.
• For drivers, reduce speed, increase following distance and be alert for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded roads.

With travel intensifying and the cold wave at its strongest, officials urge communities to stay informed through local bulletins and be ready to adjust plans. The coming days will be a test of preparedness across transport, agriculture and energy systems—and a reminder that winter’s extremes can still arrive with little mercy, even in a warming world.