Northern China is getting ready for some serious weather this weekend. Due to extreme winds, workers are being told to head home early, schools are closing, and outdoor events have been canceled. Millions are advised to stay inside, with some reports suggesting that people who weigh less than 50 kg (about 110 lbs) could be "easily blown away."
These winds, expected to reach speeds of up to 150 kph (93 mph), will impact places like Beijing and Tianjin from Friday to Sunday, driven by a cold vortex moving down from Mongolia. It’s the first time in a decade that Beijing has issued an orange alert for gales, which is a pretty serious warning.
While strong winds from Mongolia aren’t new, this particular storm is set to be one of the strongest the area has seen in years. Temperatures in Beijing are expected to plummet by 13°C (55°F) within 24 hours as the winds hit Saturday. The Beijing Meteorological Service has called this situation "extreme," affecting a large area and posing significant risks.
In China, wind speeds are measured on a scale from 1 to 17. Winds hitting level 11 can cause "serious damage," and winds of level 12 can bring "extreme destruction." This weekend, winds are expected to reach levels 11 to 13.
Due to these hazardous conditions, many sporting events have been postponed, including a half marathon that featured humanoid robots, now rescheduled for April 19. Parks and tourist sites are closing, and construction work and train services have also been halted. To mitigate damage, thousands of trees in the city have been reinforced or trimmed.
Officials are warning everyone to stay away from mountains and forests where the winds could be even stronger. Meanwhile, residents are sharing their experiences online. Some are finding humor in the situation, with a common joke being that the wind is considerate enough to start on Friday night, so it doesn’t disrupt work on Monday. One user joked, “I eat a lot for days like this.”
Social media is buzzing with hashtags about the winds and the warning for lighter individuals. It seems people are trying to make the best of a rough situation.
As the winds are expected to ease off Sunday night, authorities are also keeping an eye on fire risks, banning outdoor fires until conditions improve.
For anyone interested in the science behind wind safety, check out National Weather Service for more expert insight.
Check out this related article: Unpacking the Controversial Law Targeting Immigrant Student Protesters: What You Need to Know
Source link