Recently, there’s been a notable surge in cold air activity across China. The influence of a cold front that affected the region ended on October 20, but the China Meteorological Administration is forecasting another wave of cold air to sweep from the northwest to the east between October 21 and 23. This drop in temperature is expected to be between 3 to 6 degrees Celsius in the central and eastern parts of the country, with some local areas experiencing declines of over 8 degrees. Additionally, rain and snow are predicted, particularly on the 21st and 22nd, affecting regions in Chongqing, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shandong, with some eastern sectors of Jilin and Heilongjiang expecting rain to transition to snow.
In Hebei, temperatures continue to fall, with minimums dropping between 3 to 8 degrees Celsius on October 20. Areas such as Zhangjiakou, western Baoding, and Shijiazhuang reported snowfall, leading to a light dusting on trees and vehicles.
Meanwhile, Shanxi saw widespread rain and snow on October 20, prompting temporary restrictions on several highways including the Rongwu and Hubai expressways, with some sections being completely closed. To combat icy conditions, road maintenance teams spread de-icing agents.
Shanxi’s Wutai Mountain region recorded its first snowfall of the season on October 20, leading to slick roads and poor visibility. Local traffic police enacted temporary measures on routes to ensure visitor safety.
In Gansu, recent heavy snowfall on National Highway 248, known as the “Road to Lock,” prompted an immediate response from local police to manage traffic and aid stranded travelers.
The region of Altay in Xinjiang has welcomed cold air, resulting in snow and favorable conditions for winter sports. The Keketuohai International Ski Resort officially opened for the 2024-2025 snow season on October 20, marking the start of Xinjiang’s winter sports season.
As temperatures drop, many northern cities have begun heating operations earlier than usual. In Liaoning, cities like Fushun, Fuxin, and Huludao prepared their heating infrastructure in anticipation of the cold. Shanxi’s heating departments are working diligently to ensure timely heating, with some areas in Lüliang already activating their systems to keep residents warm this winter.
In Jilin, the city of Changchun commenced its heating on October 18, following a sharp temperature decline. A reporter visited local residents to check the heating situation, and indoors, the temperature was recorded at around 25 degrees Celsius.
One heating supplier reported that they are maintaining a balance between heat supply and demand. At another company’s command center, a smart heating network is monitoring data in real-time, including pressure and flow rates, ensuring precise adjustments. They have also created WeChat groups for 1,200 heating managers, covering 280,000 users.
It is important to note that during the heating season, indoor temperatures in Changchun should not fall below 18 degrees Celsius, as stipulated by local regulations. Failure to meet these standards can result in penalties for heating companies, including potential reimbursement of double charges to residents.
