China: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 23

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of China through at least Feb. 23. Parts of northern China will continue to be impacted by cold temperatures and heavy snowfall that have affected the region in recent days, with temperatures as low as -52.3 C (-62.1 F) recorded in Xinjiang Autonomous Region Feb. 18. A significant drop in temperatures is expected over many other parts of the country over the coming days and will be accompanied by heavy snowfall in eastern regions and showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of central and eastern China. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in places due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Feb. 20, the China Meteorological Administration has issued an orange (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) cold wave warning across much of central, eastern, southeastern, and western China through Feb. 23. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply across the affected area, with a drop of over 20 C (36 F) possible in parts of southern Hunan, eastern Guizhou, and northern Guangxi provinces. A yellow snowfall warning is also in place for parts of northern Shaanxi, southeastern Shanxi, southern Hebei, Shandong, Henan, northern Anhui, and western Hubei provinces. Blue convective weather warnings have been issued for parts of central and southern Anhui, eastern Hubei, central, northern, and western Hunan, central and northern Jiangxi, eastern Guizhou, and northeastern Guangxi. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout affected areas.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout affected areas. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region.