China Mobilizes Extensive Measures to Counter Severe Cold Wave

Local officials in China are responding swiftly to a severe cold wave that is expected to plunge temperatures by over 10°C in several key regions. The National Meteorological Center has issued a blue alert, predicting that a wide span—from the northwest and northern regions to areas of East China, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and western Sichuan—will experience drastic drops in temperature from Friday to Saturday.

In Shandong, for example, authorities have ramped up efforts to ensure a steady power supply as the frigid weather takes hold. Specialists from a local power supply station in Jinan have been rigorously inspecting 10kV power lines, taking care to identify any risks such as ice buildup or structural damage on poles and towers. The team's work underlines the critical importance of maintaining a stable electricity network to keep homes warm and safe during harsh weather conditions.

At the same time, the agricultural sector in Shandong, particularly in the major vegetable production hub of Shouguang, is facing its own set of challenges. Experts are guiding local farmers in taking preemptive steps to safeguard crops, advising on measures like clearing drainage around greenhouses and reinforcing thermal insulation. Shouguang's innovative greenhouses, equipped with technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and 5G connectivity, showcase advanced systems for automated temperature control, ventilation, and lighting designed to thwart the adverse effects of extreme weather.

Elsewhere, Beijing and other regions like Guizhou have implemented their own plans to handle the conditions. Beijing, experiencing its coldest spell of the winter so far, has seen its transport sector adopt manual operations for subway services and impose lower speeds on buses running through challenging terrains. In Guizhou, transportation authorities have preemptively closed several road sections and toll stations due to icy conditions, ensuring that any inclement weather, including potential snowfall or freezing rain, does not result in major travel disruptions.

As the nation braces for the worst of the cold wave, the combined efforts of local authorities, infrastructure teams, and agricultural experts reflect a coordinated approach aimed at preserving public safety and maintaining essential services until the weather begins to improve later in the weekend.