As China experiences an early spring heat wave, temperatures soar across the nation, breaking records in several cities.
This past weekend saw a remarkable increase in temperatures across various parts of China, with cities like Changchun, Shenyang, and Xi’an recording highs that smash previous records. On March 23, 2025, Changchun reached 20.7°C for the first time this year, while Shenyang hit 26.1°C, marking its first time exceeding 25°C this year and breaking the local March record.
Moving into the next few days, further elevated temperatures are expected. Cities such as Lanzhou, Taiyuan, and Zhengzhou are predicted to see new record highs on March 24 and 25. Zhengzhou’s anticipated temperature of 33°C could potentially surpass its local record for March, representing a staggering rise that exceeds typical late spring conditions.
By March 25 and 26, residents in southern cities like Hefei, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai will likely experience similar peaks, as they approach or reach 33°C as well, challenging March norms in those regions.
However, this rapid warming has led to notable disparities in day and night temperatures. Many northern areas will face broad temperature gaps, often exceeding 20°C. From March 25 to 29, a significant drop in temperature is expected due to an incoming cold wave, affecting most of the country. The Central Meteorological Observatory (CMO) forecasts temperature declines between 8 to 12°C nationwide, with some regions such as parts of Northwest China witnessing drops as severe as 14 to 16°C.
During this dramatic shift, cities like Zhengzhou will see a high plunge from 33°C down to around 13°C, portraying the extreme fluctuations in thermal comfort that residents will have to adapt to. In Wuhan, maximum temperatures are projected to fall from 32°C to 11°C, and in Nanjing, the drop is from 34°C to 14°C.
In the wider context of these weather extremes, northern regions faced adverse weather conditions prior to the warm spell. On the same day, March 23, 2025, strong winds and sandstorms plagued Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, and Shanxi, resulting in a dusty atmosphere as the cold front moved in. Winds reached speeds of up to 6 to 8 levels, with gusts hitting 9 to 12 levels in several locales.
The CMO has indicated that the regions experiencing these sandy conditions will continue to experience such weather, along with the onset of cold temperatures starting on March 25. During this period, parts of Northwest China and northern regions have been noted for hazardous conditions due to fluctuating weather involving strong winds and the potential for sandstorms.
As the colder air moves in, the CMO warns of a significant tempering of the balmy conditions that have taken hold recently, with decreases in temperature expected alongside strong winds pushing through the northern and western parts of the country.
From March 23 to March 27, Chinese residents can expect frequent weather warnings as conditions will remain volatile. Sandstorms, poor visibility, and hazardous breathing conditions could also arise alongside amplifying rain on the south side of the Huai River.
In fact, from March 26 to March 28, regions south of the Huai River are forecasted to experience little to moderate rainfall, with thunderstorms likely in many areas, particularly due to the convergence of warm and wet air with the incoming cold front.
This unusual thermal volatility in China called for not only awareness but also preparedness among citizens. The CMO has urged the population to stay informed and remain aware of weather updates to navigate these unpredictable shifts effectively. With the rapid transition from warmth to cold expected to impact daily lives, residents are advised to adapt their clothing and plans accordingly.
As the pattern of extreme temperature variations continues, the regional impacts—from agriculture to health—are surely profound. Adaptations to this erratic weather are crucial, as residents in both northern and southern China's cities will have to confront rapidly changing and potentially hazardous weather conditions.
