The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has intensified its weather warnings this Sunday, issuing blue warnings for strong winds and sandstorms. In a significant move, the CMA has also upgraded the ongoing cold wave warning to orange, the highest alert level.
This severe cold wave is sweeping across large regions of the Chinese mainland, bringing not only drastic drops in temperature but also a mix of rain, snow, strong winds, and dust. From February 18-22, most parts of the country are expected to grapple with extreme weather conditions.
Temperature readings in northwest China have already shown alarming declines, with most areas experiencing drops between 8 to 16 degrees Celsius. In some locales, temperatures have plummeted by over 20 degrees Celsius. Notably, in Qinghe County of Altay Prefecture in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, temperatures have soared to a bone-chilling -43.3°C.
Residents and travelers are being urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of intense cold and harsh weather. The CMA continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates to help mitigate the impact on daily life and economic activities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
