Much of China braced for freezing weather as temperatures set to plunge to minus 10 Celsius
- Siberian winds set to sweep across large parts of the country while gale force winds are expected to hit the eastern seaboard
- Around two thirds of the country could experience freezing temperatures and heavy snows are expected in parts of the north
China is bracing for a severe cold snap to sweep much of the country, with the worst coming over the next two days.
Winds from Siberia are expected to bring winds and freezing temperatures across wide swathes of the country, including heavy snows in the far northeast, gale force winds in waters along the eastern seaboard, and large temperature drops in central and eastern parts of the country, the China Meteorological Administration said on Sunday.
Some two-thirds of the country could experience freezing temperatures by Tuesday morning, as the cold wave makes its way south, causing significant temperature drops in central and eastern China, according to official reports.
Early China snowfalls threaten to deepen country’s energy crisis
The coldest weather is expected to last from Sunday through to Tuesday afternoon, with frigid conditions and lows of at least minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) expected across much of the northern half of the country.
Major cities such as Hefei, Wuhan, and Nanjing are expected to see freezing temperatures for the first time this winter, while other cities in the centre and east will experience temperatures more commonly found in the depths of winter.
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Heavy snow hits northern China
Meteorological officials called for local governments in parts of the northeast expecting heavy snows to monitor the impact on transport, agriculture and energy supplies.
They also warned farmers to cover crops and reinforce animal shelters, and for people in more southern areas to prepare their winter clothes and ensure their surroundings are ready for heavy winds.
The China Maritime Search and Rescue Centre urged ships and personnel operating in waters affected by strong winds to return to port for shelter.
China’s state grid says electricity supplies have stabilised
Local governments are also preparing for the cold snap. Authorities in the Liaoning’s capital Shenyang called on cultural and tourism attractions and venues to suspend operations in the event of heavy snowfall and make preparations to minimise damage or accidents.
