China Braces for 4 Cold Waves in February

China is preparing for a challenging February with forecasts predicting four distinct cold waves. These weather events are expected to potentially disrupt the extensive Spring Festival travel rush, a period known for its high volume of inter-regional passenger trips.

Specific forecasts indicate rain and snow impacting central and eastern China between February 5-7 and again from February 10-13. An additional cold air mass is anticipated early in the Spring Festival holiday, which spans February 15-23. This year's travel period, chunyun, will last 40 days from February 2 to March 13.

Authorities are urging vigilance against several climate risks. North China needs to be prepared for staged temperature drops, gales, and heavy snow. Eastern and Central China, along with Southwest China, face risks associated with low-temperature rain and snow, necessitating measures to secure transport and energy supplies.

Meanwhile, parts of southern and southwestern China must actively guard against developing drought and forest fires. Strengthening water resource management and implementing robust fire prevention strategies are critical to mitigating these threats. January already saw five cold waves, exceeding the historical average, and meteorological drought has emerged in eastern and southern China.