Unusually strong winds swept across Beijing and northern China this weekend, forcing the closure of major tourist spots and disrupting air and rail travel. Authorities issued high-level weather alerts as gusts reached up to 150km/h, triggered by a cold vortex from Mongolia. The powerful winds brought sudden snow and hail to various regions and prompted the capital to take rare emergency measures.
Rare Gale Alert Issued for 22 Million Residents
For the first time in a decade, Beijing issued its second-highest gale alert, warning the city’s 22 million residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The winds, which began on April 11, are expected to continue over the weekend. According to Xinhua News Agency, these wind speeds could break April records dating back to 1951.
Residents reported shaking windows and swaying cars as the storm passed through the city. Temperatures dropped more than 12 degrees Celsius in some areas, catching many by surprise.
Travel Disruptions Across Air, Rail, and Road
The powerful winds caused major disruptions to transportation. By 11:30 a.m. on April 12, more than 838 flights were cancelled at Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport, according to the Flight Master app.
Railway services were also affected. The airport express subway line and several high-speed trains were suspended due to safety concerns, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
On the roads, sandstorms swept through regions from Inner Mongolia to the Yangtze River, affecting travel across eight provinces.
Popular Sites Temporarily Shut Down
To ensure public safety, Beijing authorities closed several iconic landmarks, including:
- The Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven
- Beijing Zoo
- Universal Studios Beijing
Historic parks and tourist attractions were shut down for the day, and old trees were trimmed in anticipation of stronger winds. Nearly 300 trees were toppled, and 19 vehicles were damaged across the city. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, according to CCTV.
Events Cancelled, Robots Stay Home
The storm also forced the postponement of a unique half-marathon scheduled for April 13. The event was set to feature humanoid robots racing alongside human runners, aiming to highlight China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Authorities cited safety risks from flying debris and unpredictable weather as the reason for the delay.
Snow and Hail Hit the North and South
While Beijing battled gale-force winds, late-season snow fell across Inner Mongolia, and parts of southern China saw unexpected hailstorms. This unusual mix of extreme weather is believed to be linked to a cold air mass from Mongolia, combined with shifting spring patterns.
Spring in northern China often brings strong winds and dust storms, but this year’s event stood out for its intensity and wide reach.
Climate Change Behind Extreme Patterns
Meteorologists say that climate change is making weather events like this more frequent and severe. China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which scientists link to global warming and increasing weather volatility.
In 2024, China faced multiple climate-related disasters:
- Severe floods killed dozens and displaced thousands.
- In May 2024, a highway collapsed in southern China after days of heavy rain, claiming 48 lives.
Experts warn that if emissions are not controlled, extreme weather could become the norm, impacting infrastructure, health, and travel.
What’s Next?
With winds forecasted to continue through the weekend, residents are urged to stay updated via official channels. Authorities are working to clear fallen trees and resume essential services as soon as weather conditions improve.
