On October 17, heavy rains impacted various regions across southern and eastern China, according to the Central Meteorological Observatory’s website. On October 16, parts of the eastern southwestern region, western and southeastern Guangxi, western Hubei, northwestern and southeastern Hunan, northeastern Jiangxi, western Zhejiang, Shanghai, southeastern Anhui, and southern Shaanxi experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas facing severe downpours.
As we look ahead to October 17, forecasters predict that this intense precipitation will shift northeastward. Areas in northern and western North China, the Huanghuai, northern Jianghuai, Jianghan, and western and northern Jiangnan, along with southern South China and eastern Guizhou, can expect moderate to heavy rain. Meanwhile, parts of central and southern Shandong, southeastern Henan, and northern and central Hunan may encounter localized heavy downpours, bringing rainfall amounts between 100 to 120 millimeters.
On October 18, rainfall is expected to ease somewhat in the central and eastern regions, with moderate to heavy showers anticipated in eastern and central Shandong, southern Hunan, western Jiangxi, northern Guizhou, southwestern Chongqing, eastern Sichuan, northern Guangxi, and western Guangdong. However, localized storms could still bring rainfall of 50 to 60 millimeters to the Shandong Peninsula.
In addition, from October 17 to 18, some areas in northwestern Xinjiang and southeastern Tibet will see moderate to heavy snow or sleet, with localized blizzard conditions in parts of northwestern Xinjiang, resulting in a cumulative snowfall of 20 to 45 millimeters.
Experts are urging the public, particularly in regions like Henan, Shandong, and Hunan, to stay vigilant about weather changes due to the anticipated heavy rainfall. They recommend avoiding low-lying areas such as mountainous regions and river valleys for safety. With ongoing rain and snow in Xinjiang and Tibet, residents are advised to clear snow accumulation from rooftops and awnings promptly.
Looking ahead to October 18-19, a strong cold front is expected to bring gusty winds and a drop in temperatures across northern regions, particularly along the Yangtze River and further north. States including eastern Northwest China, northeastern regions, central and eastern North China, eastern Huanghuai, Jianghuai, eastern Jianghan, and northeastern Jiangnan could see temperatures plummet by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. In some parts of northern North China and central and southern Northeast China, drops could even reach 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing temperature reductions over 14 degrees Celsius. Wind speeds will likely be between 4 to 6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts potentially reaching 7 to 8.
Given the significant temperature variations in northern areas, experts caution that such fluctuations can trigger health issues relating to cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular conditions. They advise the public to be mindful of temperature changes, ensure proper warmth, and increase indoor activity levels to avoid prolonged sitting and resultant health risks.
