China is gearing up for a weekend of extreme weather as rare strong winds and sandstorms are set to sweep across the nation.
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a yellow alert for strong winds and a blue alert for sandstorms on Thursday, warning of significant disruptions from Friday to Sunday.
Northern regions are expected to face sustained gales, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 41.4 meters per second. Beijing, the capital, is bracing for these powerful winds driven by a cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia. Residents have been warned of extreme winds and a steep temperature drop, with highs plummeting by 13 degrees Celsius to just 14 degrees on Saturday.
Meanwhile, southern areas are on alert for severe hailstorms, and the northwest, including the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is preparing for sandstorms. Central and eastern China will also feel the chill, with temperatures dropping by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius from Friday to Saturday. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the south.
As a precaution, outdoor construction, school activities, and public events will be suspended. Authorities are advising people to limit unnecessary travel, secure outdoor items like billboards, and take care of vulnerable populations. Transportation departments are on standby for potential disruptions, and farmers are working to protect greenhouses and livestock shelters.
China operates a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system. Red represents the most severe conditions, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. With the current yellow alert for strong winds and blue alert for sandstorms, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
