Meteorological authorities report that much of China is currently experiencing an unusual mid-January warm spell, with temperatures soaring significantly above seasonal averages across vast regions from the northwest to southern territories. The most pronounced warmth has been observed spanning from the Huanghuai area through the Yangtze River basin, where such mild conditions are historically uncommon for this period.
Urban centers including Hefei in Anhui province and Nanjing in Jiangsu are anticipating daytime highs approaching 20°C, while Hangzhou in Zhejiang and Changsha in Hunan may see thermometers reaching approximately 22°C. The China Meteorological Administration indicates this dry, sunny pattern will persist nationwide for the next 72 hours, with minimal precipitation expected across most regions.
Despite the daytime warmth, forecasters emphasize that substantial temperature differentials are creating dramatic daily swings. “Many locations will experience variations exceeding 15°C between daytime highs and overnight lows, essentially creating two distinct seasons within a single day,” meteorological officials noted.
Meanwhile, northern territories continue to brace against persistent cold conditions expected to intensify as new Arctic air masses advance. From Wednesday through Friday, northeastern China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Gansu province, and sections of North China will encounter temperature declines of 4-8°C, with some areas plummeting more than 10°C. Light to moderate snow is forecast for portions of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China.
The most significant climatic shift is projected to commence this weekend as a powerful cold front sweeps southward, affecting virtually all regions nationwide. Northeastern areas may confront temperatures diving below -30°C, representing a substantial intensification of cold conditions. Current above-average temperatures across other parts of the country will reverse dramatically, falling below seasonal norms. Central and eastern regions should prepare for developing rain and snow events in the coming days.