China, Mongolia: Frequent disruptions due to winter weather likely across northern and western China and Mongolia through March 2024

Extreme winter weather events, including heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, fog, and strong winds, are likely to impact transport and utility services across Mongolia and parts of northern and western China during the winter months through at least the end of March 2024. Siberian air masses can bring temperatures well below freezing during this period, with some areas recording temperatures as low as -50 C (-58 F) in the coldest winters. Widespread snowfall is likely during the winter, especially in mountainous areas, and strong winds can lead to blizzard conditions. Overland travel can be extremely hazardous due to snowfall accumulations and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

Airports in affected regions could experience frequent short-notice disruptions, leading to cancellations, delays, and even a full ground stop. Affected airports may include:

China

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

• Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH)

• Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)

• Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW)

• Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)

• Mudanjiang Hailang International Airport (MDG)

• Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET)

• Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport (DSN)

• Changchun Longjia International Airport (CGQ)

• Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport (YNJ)

• Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)

• Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE)

• Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC)

• Xining Caojiapu International Airport (XNN)

• Tianjin Bihai International Airport (TSN)

• Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)

• Kashi Laining International Airport (KHG)

• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)

Mongolia

• Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

Inclement weather can also lead to frequent blockages on arterial roads in the region. The scarcity of alternative routes means significant transport disruptions could sometimes occur, particularly in remote areas. Avalanches can lead to protracted road blockages in mountainous areas. While authorities are experienced in minimizing the potential impact, roads in remote and mountainous regions may be disrupted more frequently and for extended periods due to their relative inaccessibility. Extreme temperatures may also increase the potential for vehicle breakdowns. Railways can experience disruptions, leading to the cancellation of services and long delays.

The cold weather can lead to utility disruptions where demand exceeds the capacity of local power supplies, and heavy snow or strong winds can damage utility infrastructure. Although normally affected areas are well equipped to deal with such problems, power outages can last for extended periods, particularly in remote locations.