Millions of residents in northern China are heeding warnings to remain indoors as they brace for what meteorologists describe as some of the strongest winds seen in a decade. The dire forecast, which includes gusts hitting cities such as Beijing and Tianjin from Friday through Sunday, has already led to significant disruptions, including school closures, canceled outdoor events, and amended transportation schedules.
Under an orange weather alert, the second-highest in China’s four-tier system, authorities have cautioned that the high winds, fueled by a cold vortex descending from Mongolia, could pose serious risks. “People weighing less than 50kg may be easily blown away,” warned local state media, drawing attention to the severity of the situation.
The Beijing Meteorological Service characterized the impending weather as "extreme," emphasizing its wide-ranging impact. Forecasts predict temperature drops of up to 13 degrees Celsius within 24 hours, with the strongest gusts expected on Saturday. Winds are anticipated to reach levels between 11 and 13 on China's wind scale—level 11 can cause "serious damage," while level 12 results in "extreme destruction."
In response, numerous outdoor plans have been scrapped. Sporting events, including a humanoid robot marathon set for the weekend, have been rescheduled. Authorities have closed parks and tourist sites, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially in mountainous areas where wind conditions could be particularly hazardous. To mitigate risks, city officials are reinforcing trees and monitoring construction sites.
While many residents prepare for an indoors weekend, social media platforms are buzzing with humorous takes on the situation. A meme noting the timing of the winds starting Friday night and subsiding Sunday without affecting Monday work schedules has gone viral, alongside hashtags highlighting the warnings.
Beijing's proactive measures also include alerts for potential forest fires and bans on outdoor fires as the community grapples with these severe weather conditions. As anticipation builds, officials expect the winds to subside by Sunday evening, allowing life in the capital to gradually return to normal.
