Northern China is preparing for a major weather event this weekend as millions of residents are urged to stay indoors due to an incoming strong wind system. This extreme weather, expected to last from Friday to Sunday, will bring winds reaching speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 miles per hour) across Beijing, Tianjin, and parts of Hebei province. The cold vortex sweeping southeast from Mongolia is anticipated to bring significant disruptions to daily life.
Unprecedented Wind Speeds
This storm is no ordinary weather event. The region has been warned of wind speeds so strong that they could potentially blow away individuals weighing less than 50 kilograms (110 pounds). Authorities have called for people to remain indoors, while workers have been told to hurry home and students have had their classes suspended. The strong winds are expected to be among the worst the area has seen in recent years, and for the first time in a decade, Beijing has issued an orange alert for gales, which is the second-highest level on China’s four-tier weather warning system.
According to the Beijing Meteorological Service, the winds are not only extreme but also long-lasting, affecting a wide area and potentially causing serious damage. The situation is being described as “highly disastrous” due to the strength and duration of the winds.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy winds are expected to cause a sharp drop in temperatures, with Beijing seeing a dramatic 13°C (55°F) temperature plunge in just 24 hours. Along with the cold front, the strong gusts are forecast to reach wind speeds between levels 11 and 13 on China’s wind scale, which is used to classify the severity of winds. A level 11 wind can cause “serious damage,” while level 12 winds can bring “extreme destruction.” Authorities have warned that outdoor events, such as sporting activities, will likely be severely impacted.
Several high-profile events, including the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon, have been postponed due to the expected conditions. Parks, tourist attractions, and construction works have also been shut down, and train services have been suspended to ensure public safety. Social media users are taking to platforms like Weibo to share lighthearted comments about the storm, with one user humorously noting that the storm is “so sensible” because it hits over the weekend and ends before Monday work hours.
Preparations and Precautions
In response to the strong winds, authorities have taken significant precautions. Thousands of trees in urban areas have been reinforced and pruned to minimize the risk of falling. The winds are expected to be particularly intense in mountainous and forested areas, where officials have advised people to avoid going outdoors entirely.
A secondary concern has been the heightened risk of forest fires, as the strong winds could easily spread any fire that starts. Beijing has issued a ban on outdoor fires, urging residents to stay vigilant. As the situation evolves, the winds are expected to weaken by Sunday night.
Public Response and Social Media Reactions
Despite the gravity of the weather event, Chinese social media has responded with humor, with many users commenting on the dramatic weather and the quirky advice that those weighing less than 50kg may be blown away. One Weibo user jokingly noted, “I eat so much all the time, just for this day,” referring to the possibility of being swept away by the wind.
In conclusion, northern China is facing one of the most severe windstorms in recent years, with millions of residents taking precautions and staying indoors to avoid harm. While the winds are expected to subside by Sunday night, the weekend will likely bring significant disruptions to daily life across Beijing and surrounding areas.
