Meteorological authorities have issued warnings as China prepares for its inaugural cold wave of 2026, set to impact the nation from Saturday through Wednesday. The National Meteorological Center forecasts this extensive weather system will deliver substantial precipitation and freezing conditions across multiple regions, with southern areas expected to experience the most severe effects.
Chief Forecaster Zhang Tao indicated central and eastern China will encounter their most significant winter conditions to date, with temperature reductions ranging from 6°C to 10°C throughout most affected areas. Certain localized regions may experience dramatic drops exceeding 12°C, creating potentially hazardous circumstances.
Provincial authorities in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, and Anhui have been placed on high alert due to anticipated heavy snowfall and low-temperature freezing hazards. Meteorological models suggest these regions will face moderate to heavy snow accumulation, with select areas confronting medium-to-high risk scenarios for freezing rain and ice formation.
Between Monday and Wednesday, meteorological experts project possible freezing rain events in portions of Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou. While northeastern territories are expected to experience comparatively milder conditions, southern China—particularly the middle and lower Yangtze River basins—will endure the most pronounced temperature decreases. Recent warming trends in these areas could amplify the thermal shock, with some locations potentially facing declines up to 16°C.
The precipitation system is forecast to cover extensive geographical areas and maintain persistence as it gradually progresses southward alongside advancing cold air masses. Although overall precipitation intensity isn’t predicted to reach extreme levels, numerous regions will likely experience consecutive days of precipitation.
Forecasters specifically highlight concerns regarding complex and rapidly transitioning precipitation types, with many areas expected to undergo successive changes from rain to sleet, freezing rain, ice pellets, and eventually snow. Transportation networks, power infrastructure, and public safety systems face particular challenges from the anticipated freezing rain, which authorities consider more threatening than heavy snowfall in terms of potential disruption.