Residents across northern China, particularly in the Beijing area, have been alerted to stay indoors this weekend as severe winds, predicted to reach 150 kph (93 mph), sweep through from Friday to Sunday. With a cold vortex descending from Mongolia, the region is bracing for some of the strongest gusts seen in years, leading to the suspension of classes, outdoor events, and various construction activities.
China's Meteorological Administration has issued an orange alert, the second-highest in their warning scale, marking the first such action in a decade. Authorities have emphasized that individuals weighing less than 50 kg (110 lbs) may be at serious risk of being blown away. As a precaution, parks and tourist sites have been closed, and public transportation services will also be temporarily halted.
Over the weekend, temperatures in Beijing are set to drop by 13 degrees Celsius, coinciding with the peak of the wind gusts on Saturday. The Beijing Meteorological Service has categorized these winds as both extreme and hazardous, affecting a wide expanse of the area over an extended duration.
Scheduled events, including an innovative humanoid robot half marathon, have been postponed with new dates planned for mid-April. As locals prepare for indoor confinement, humor has emerged on Chinese social media, with users making light of the situation and sharing relatable anecdotes about their weekend plans.
Official warnings also extend to forest fire alerts, reinforcing the need for caution around open flames, as the winds are anticipated to begin to diminish by Sunday night.
