Northern China is bracing for a weekend of extreme weather, as a powerful cold vortex sweeping in from Mongolia unleashes typhoon-strength winds heavy snow, and hailstorms, causing widespread disruption. The system has forced major event cancellations, including a half marathon in Beijing suspended dozens of train services, and led officials to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.
The Chinese capital, home to over 22 million people, has issued its first orange gale alert in a decade, warning of wind gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph). Temperatures in the city are expected to plummet by as much as 12°C, with forecasters suggesting wind speeds may set new April records.
The storm’s impact stretches beyond Beijing. Inner Mongolia and parts of northeastern China are preparing for heavy snowfall, while the south faces hailstorms, making this a nationwide weather emergency. The Ministry of Emergency Management has activated emergency response mechanisms and continues to monitor the situation closely.
Experts have also linked the intensifying severity and frequency of such storms to climate change, noting that unusual atmospheric patterns and warming trends are fueling these extreme weather events. This latest bout of severe conditions has added to economic losses already suffered due to natural disasters earlier in 2025.
With air, rail, and public event disruptions now in effect, northern China faces a challenging weekend ahead as authorities focus on minimizing risk and damage