China is preparing for its most severe winter weather event so far this year.

A major cold wave will impact the central and eastern regions from January 17 to 21, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerous icy conditions across multiple provinces.

According to China's meteorological authorities, temperatures in southern China will drop significantly during the cold wave. Central and eastern regions will experience the strongest rain, snow and ice since the beginning of winter, with freezing rain in some areas.

Zhang Tao, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center, said the process could be "complex," with a potentially greater risk from freezing rain than heavy snow. "The precipitation phase is extremely complex, particularly in areas south of the Qinling-Huaihe line," he explained in an online press briefing on Friday.

Temperature drops will be dramatic. Southern regions will experience drops exceeding 12 degrees Celsius, with some areas plunging by 16 degrees. The Yangtze River Delta region faces especially sharp cooling due to recent warming trends.

The cold front will move gradually from west to east and north to south. By January 21, freezing temperatures will extend into southwestern and southern China.

Authorities warn of significant risks to transportation, energy supplies and agriculture, urging residents to prepare for extended cold conditions. Residents in southern regions especially should pay close attention to meteorological warnings about freezing conditions in the coming days.