A biting cold front is currently sweeping across the Chinese mainland, bringing with it blizzards, high winds, and plummeting temperatures that are reshaping daily life and travel plans across the nation.
The National Meteorological Center has issued multiple weather alerts, warning of hazardous conditions from Saturday through Monday. Central and eastern regions are bracing for temperature drops of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, with areas like central Inner Mongolia, central and southern Shaanxi, central and northern Shanxi, western Henan, and the northern Sichuan Plateau anticipating even steeper declines exceeding 14 degrees Celsius.
Heavy snowfall has already led to widespread disruption of road travel, affecting 79 road sections. This includes 25 major road closures impacting 17 highways, four national roads, three provincial roads, and numerous toll stations across several provinces. Reopening times remain uncertain as authorities monitor the situation closely.
Snowfall is expected to continue, shifting northeastward on Sunday and Monday with significant snowfall anticipated in eastern Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, and Jilin. While snowfall in Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and western Henan is likely to subside by Sunday, accumulated snow will persist due to the ongoing cold temperatures, posing challenges for road travel, especially in mountainous areas.
Airports in Shenyang and Changchun are preparing for possible flight delays and cancellations from late Sunday to Tuesday morning. Similarly, Kunming Airport in the southwest may experience delays around Monday.
In addition to weather-related disruptions, high winds in Xinjiang have resulted in the suspension of numerous train services as of Friday. Passengers with tickets for cancelled trains can obtain refunds or make alternative arrangements without incurring fees. Railway authorities are closely monitoring the weather and will resume services as conditions improve. Travelers are advised to check the 12306.cn website or contact railway customer service for the latest updates.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
