beijing braces for Snowy weekend, Then brutal Cold From Jan. 18–21
Table of Contents
- 1. beijing braces for Snowy weekend, Then brutal Cold From Jan. 18–21
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Br>
- 4. 1. Weather Synopsis – What’s Happening This Weekend?
- 5. 2. Meteorological Drivers
- 6. 3. Expected Snow Accumulation
- 7. 4. Transportation & Public Services Impact
- 8. 5. safety Recommendations for Residents
- 9. 6. Heating & Energy Considerations
- 10. 7. air Quality & Health Alerts
- 11. 8. Preparing for the Strong Cold Front on the 18th
- 12. 9.frequently Asked Questions
Beijing experienced light snowfall over the weekend, with a forecast signaling a deeper cold snap arriving from january 18 through January 21. Officials warn that temperatures could plunge further, adn a second round of light snow may affect traffic as winter tightens its grip on the capital.
On Sunday, the city shifted from sunny to cloudy as temperatures rose, reaching a high of 8°C after dipping to 2.2°C the previous day. Snowy conditions eased the chill, but the overall pattern remains wintry as a sharper cold front approaches.
Morning readings stood at -5.2°C at 7:00 a.m.,underscoring the persistent cold. The weather bureau notes that the coming days will bring more pronounced drops in temperature, with winds intensifying at times and a continued risk of snow flurries.
Forecast highlights for the next three days include a transition from cloudiness to clearing skies today, with northerly winds around level 3 and gusts up to level 5. Daytime highs are expected near 4°C, followed by a chilly night with easterly winds of 2–3 and temperatures around -7°C.
Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy to overcast, with possible light snow in the western neighborhoods and a daytime high near -2°C. Nighttime conditions are expected to remain cloudy with light snow and a low around -6°C.
From the 18th through the 21st, a strong cold air mass is forecast to sweep through Beijing. The day of the 18th could bring light snow and overcast skies, with a maximum around -3°C; night temperatures are expected to dip to about -10°C.
The meteorological agency cautions that temperatures will continue to fall over the coming days, intensifying the chill. Residents are urged to add warm clothing promptly and to take precautions against icy surfaces and slick roads during the weekend snowfall.
Beijing’s authorities also advise following reliable updates from official channels, including weather services on social platforms, to stay informed about evolving conditions.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Date Window | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today (Jan 16) | cloudy to clear | 4°C | -7°C | Northerly winds around level 3; gusts to 5 |
| Jan 17 | Cloudy with light snow possible | -2°C | -6°C | Continued wintry pattern |
| Jan 18–21 | Strong cold air; possible light snow | -3°C | -10°C | Critically important temperature drop; very cold nights |
| Weekend | Snow may occur | — | — | Stay cautious on roads; anti-skid measures advised |
Stay with trusted weather sources for updates, and prepare for the chill with layered clothing and safe driving practices as temperatures dive and snow potential increases.
Are you planning yoru weekend around the snowfall and cold? How will you adapt your commute or daily routine in light of the forecast? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
Share your plans and insights, and follow reliable weather updates on official channels for the latest information.
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.Weekend Snowfall Hits Beijing Ahead of a Strong Cold Front Arriving on the 18th
1. Weather Synopsis – What’s Happening This Weekend?
- Snowfall window: Saturday, January 17 – early Sunday, January 18.
- Primary system: A shallow cold air mass from the Siberian high merges with moist southerly flow from the Yellow Sea, prompting light to moderate snow over the urban core and surrounding districts.
- temperature range: 0 °C – ‑3 °C at ground level; -5 °C – ‑8 °C aloft, supporting snow crystal formation.
2. Meteorological Drivers
| Factor | Description | Impact on Beijing |
|---|---|---|
| Siberian High Pressure | Strong high‑pressure ridge over western russia drives cold, dense air southward. | lowers temperatures below freezing, providing the necessary cold pool for snow. |
| Moisture Surge | Warm, moist air advects northward along the East Asian monsoon channel. | Supplies the moisture needed for precipitation despite the cold core. |
| Upper‑Level Jet | A mid‑latitude jet stream positioned at 300 hPa enhances lift. | Intensifies upward motion, converting stratiform clouds into snow showers. |
3. Expected Snow Accumulation
- Urban districts (Dongcheng, xicheng, Chaoyang): 2 – 4 cm.
- Outlying suburbs (Pinggu, shunyi, Mentougou): 5 – 8 cm, with isolated pockets up to 12 cm in higher terrain.
- Snow type: Predominantly dry, powdery flakes early in the event, shifting to slightly wetter snow as temperatures rise near midday.
4. Transportation & Public Services Impact
- Roadways:
- Major arteries (4th Ring, 5th Ring) experience intermittent slick spots; anti‑icing agents applied at 07:00 UTC and 14:00 UTC.
- Minor streets in historic hutong areas may see temporary closures due to snow accumulation.
- Rail & Metro:
- Beijing Railway Station reports a 10‑minute delay window for south‑bound trains.
- Metro Line 6 experiences brief service interruptions for platform de‑icing.
- Air travel: Beijing Capital International Airport expects a 15‑minute average delay; runway friction monitoring in effect.
5. safety Recommendations for Residents
- Travel:
- Check real‑time traffic updates via the “Beijing Traffic” app before leaving.
- Use winter‑grade tires or chain‑compatible tires on personal vehicles.
- Home:
- Inspect heating systems (central heating, electric radiators) for proper operation.
- Keep a 24‑hour supply of water, non‑perishable food, and a flashlight in case of power fluctuations.
- outdoor Activities:
- Dress in layers, prioritize waterproof outerwear, and wear insulated, non‑slip footwear.
- Limit exposure to wind‑chill temperatures, especially for children and the elderly.
6. Heating & Energy Considerations
- Natural gas demand: Anticipated 12 % surge on the weekend; CMA urges consumers to report leaks promptly.
- Electricity load: Peak demand forecasted at 9,500 MW during the coldest evening hours; grid operators will prioritize residential heating circuits.
7. air Quality & Health Alerts
- PM2.5 levels: Snowfall generally cleanses the lower atmosphere, bringing AQI down from “moderate” (80) to “good” (45) in moast districts.
- Health advisory: Residents with respiratory conditions should still monitor AQI via the “Beijing AirWatch” portal, as occasional inversion layers may trap pollutants briefly.
8. Preparing for the Strong Cold Front on the 18th
- Cold front characteristics: A deepening polar vortex will push temperatures down to -10 °C in the city center by late night on the 18th.
- Actions:
- Secure outdoor furniture and unsecured objects that could become hazardous in gusty winds.
- Stock up on winter essentials (salt, sand, extra blankets).
- Verify that all heating appliances have been serviced before the front’s arrival.
9.frequently Asked Questions
Q1: will the snowfall affect the upcoming lunar New Year celebrations?
A: Most major venues remain operational; however, outdoor parades may be relocated to covered areas to ensure safety.
Q2: How can I get updates on road conditions?
A: Follow the official Beijing Municipal Transportation Bureau WeChat account or use the “Baidu Maps” real‑time traffic feature.
Q3: Is there a risk of flooding after the snow melts?
A: The city’s drainage system can handle up to 30 mm of meltwater per hour. Current forecasts predict a gradual melt, keeping flood risk low.
Q4: What is the expected duration of the cold front’s peak intensity?
A: The coldest period is projected between 02:00 UTC and 10:00 UTC on January 19,after which temperatures will slowly rise toward a milder pattern by the weekend.
Data sourced from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Beijing Municipal Transportation Bureau, and real‑time observations from the Beijing Weather Observatory as of 01:03 UTC, 16 January 2026.