On October 17, I spoke with Zhai Liang, the chief forecaster at the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, who shared crucial information about the weather over the coming days. According to Zhai, a cold front will impact Beijing from October 17 to 20, bringing a mix of rain, strong winds, and a significant drop in temperatures.
Zhai highlighted that from the afternoon of October 17 through October 18, the city will experience continuous rainfall moving from west to east. He noted that while most areas will see moderate rainfall, parts of the western and northern regions could experience heavy rain, with higher elevation areas potentially seeing rain mixed with snow. The most intense rain is expected during the evening of the 17th until the morning of the 18th, before tapering off later that day.
Regarding wind conditions, Zhai mentioned that on the evening of the 18th, residents should prepare for northwesterly winds at speeds of 3 to 4 levels, with gusts reaching 6 to 7 levels, and even up to 8 levels in mountainous areas. By the morning of the 19th, these winds are expected to ease.
As for the temperature, Zhai forecasted a notable drop starting on the night of the 18th, with a decrease of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. On October 20, the maximum daytime temperature is expected to plummet to around 10 degrees Celsius, with nighttime lows dropping to approximately 3 degrees Celsius. In mountainous areas, the temperature could fall below freezing. However, Zhai assured that temperatures would gradually rise starting from October 21.
For those engaging in outdoor activities in the mountains, Zhai recommended wearing warm clothing, such as cotton or down jackets, to combat the cold.
He further advised the public to remain cautious while traveling, especially after the rain, as roads may become slippery and visibility could diminish. Specifically, during the peak hours on the evening of the 17th and the morning of the 18th, it is important to check road conditions in advance and to plan travel times accordingly. He stressed the necessity of driving slowly and exercising traffic safety measures. Additionally, he cautioned that the strong north winds post-rain could pose risks, urging people to steer clear of temporary structures and tall trees.
Moreover, Zhai warned that the drastic temperature drop starting from the night of October 18 could lead to discomfort, advocating for warm clothing to prevent colds and cardiovascular issues. Certain areas may also experience frost, which could adversely affect crops, so timely frost and freeze prevention measures are recommended.
