Warmer Temperatures with Potential Snowfall and Meteorological Advancements

China's Weather Forecast for Early January 2024

The National Climate Center predicts relatively weak cold air activity across most of China in early January 2024, leading to higher-than-average temperatures. Northern regions may experience temperature increases of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm, while most other areas will be 1 to 2 degrees warmer.

However, two waves of cold air will affect the country, causing fluctuations in temperatures. A cold front will sweep from north to south from Wednesday to Friday, causing temperature drops of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius in most areas, with localized decreases of up to 8 degrees Celsius in North China. Light rain is expected in parts of Sichuan Basin, Guizhou and Hunan provinces, while regions at higher altitudes may experience light snow. Heavy snow is forecast in certain areas of northern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Another wave of cold air will bring temperature decreases of 4 to 6 degrees Celsius to central and eastern regions from January 6th to 8th. Between January 7th and 9th, snowfalls are likely in parts of North and Northeast China.

On New Year's Day, most regions in the country will remain dry, with only light snow or localized moderate-to-heavy snow in areas such as northern Xinjiang and parts of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Travelers should prepare for possible delays and disruptions due to snow and ice in regions such as Northeast China, northern Xinjiang and parts of Southwest China. Local authorities are urged to monitor weather updates and prevent potential risks to agriculture, transportation and power supply.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is likely to experience poor air quality and low visibility due to weak winds and stable atmospheric conditions. Travelers and residents are encouraged to ensure precautions for heavy haze.

Meteorological Advancements in China

During the news conference, CMA deputy head Song Shanyun introduced 10 major breakthroughs in the high-quality development of meteorology over the past five years.

China has established the world's largest modern meteorological observation system, which is capable of monitoring 80 percent of meteorological disasters. The national land coverage for meteorological monitoring has increased from 29 percent to 44 percent. The detection rate is 84 percent for hail, 80 percent for tornadoes and 85 percent for severe thunderstorms.

In addition, significant progress has been made in leveraging meteorology to support agriculture, transportation, renewable energy, finance and urban management. For instance, 142 meteorological service centers for agriculture have been established, providing 12 types of meteorological risk warnings in the sector to ensure stable grain production.