Blizzard in NE China to end with a new round of cold air coming

The third round of heavy snow and blizzards started on the night of November 15 and hit northeastern parts of China, leading China's National Meteorological Center to issue orange warnings for blizzards on November 16 and 17. As of November 18, the snowfall in the northeast has reduced coverage and intensity. The meteorological center lifted the yellow warning for blizzards at 6:00 am on November 18.

Since November, northeast China has encountered two rounds of heavy snow and blizzard weather events. From November 5 to 6, heavy rain and snowfall occurred in the northeast and southeastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Precipitation at 41 national meteorological stations, including Jiamusi and Wuchang cities in Heilongjiang Province, Hunchun and Yanji cities in Jilin Province, and Shenyang City in Liaoning Province, all exceeded local historical November records.

The weather forecast from the meteorological center indicates that a strong cold air mass will affect most parts of China from November 21, causing a general temperature drop of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius. Some areas in north and northeast China may experience a local temperature drop exceeding 12 degrees Celsius, accompanied by rain and snow.

Experts from the National Meteorological Center stated that during the early winter season, the frequent alternation of cold and warm air masses often results in rainy and snowy weather. Experiencing three rain and snow events in half a month is not uncommon, but having two instances of heavy snowfall and blizzards in three short periods is relatively rare. These three rounds of rain and snow in the northeast were generated under the joint influence of upper-level low-pressure systems and surface cyclones. The short interval between the three rain and snow events directly led to an increased snow depth. After this process concludes, it is anticipated that the snow depth in the central and eastern parts of Heilongjiang will reach 40-50 centimeters, and in some areas, it may even exceed 50 centimeters.

Meteorological experts stated that the snowfall in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and other areas, combined with earlier accumulated snow, increases the risk of disasters. After a snowfall, the temperature drops, leading to road icing, slippery roads, ice accumulation on power lines, significantly impacting the area. Experts remind the public to take precautions against colds and cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, trains that were halted in Harbin City of Heilongjiang Province and other places due to heavy snow are gradually resuming operation.