A cold front has crept into some regions of north and southwest China, bringing snowfall, temperature drops, and traffic disruption from Heilongjiang to Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Xizang when most parts of the country are basking in warm vibrant springtime. On Monday afternoon, a light snow or sleet descended on Jilin Province in the northeast, with icy roads and poor visibility raising concerns about traffic safety, particularly during morning and evening hours. The snowfall is expected to gradually end by daytime Tuesday, but still lingers in eastern Baishan City and the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve.
A strong snowstorm struck Tongjiang City of neighboring Heilongjiang Province in the early hours on Monday. At a rice seedling greenhouse base, agricultural technicians rushed to guide farmers in removing snow from greenhouses to prevent collapse while in downtown, large snowplows were deployed to sweep snow off main roads and sanitation workers cleared the snow off sidewalks and bus stops.
To date, agricultural facilities in the city remain generally safe, major urban roads are largely passable, but some expressways are subjected to closure or traffic control. Road patrols and snow clearing continue across townships. Starting on Monday, eastern parts of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region experienced significant rainfall and blizzards with temperatures plunging eight to 10 degrees Celsius, prompting local authorities to remove snow off roads.
Also on Monday, heavy snow hit a section of Provincial Highway S514 in Shigatse City of Xizang in the southwest, with 10-15 centimeter-deep snow trapping over 20 vehicles and creating road safety hazards.
A local traffic management team quickly activated an emergency response, deploying all available officers to guide vehicles through hazardous sections safely. They also stepped up patrols and coordinated with maintenance departments for snow and ice removal.
According to the Xizang Meteorological Observatory, significant precipitation is forecast for eastern and southern regions from April 6 to 15 while Nyingchi, Shigatse, and Ngari will usher in moderate to heavy snow or rain from April 6 to 9. Local authorities have urged enhanced preparedness.
April snow showers hit north, southwest China
