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Northern China is on high alert for Mongolian typhoons

Northern China braces for typhoon like gales over the weekend. Beijing, China's capital, has cancelled major sporting events and closed parks. It also suspended train services. Beijing has warned its 22 million residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

China Central Television (CCTV), reported that a powerful current of cold, dry air will sweep through northern provinces on Friday afternoon and continue into the weekend. This wind is expected to be unusually strong, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometres an hour in some places.

It is normal for strong winds to carry sand and dirt from Mongolia at this time of year. Climate change has caused weather conditions to become more extreme. Beijing has issued the first orange alert for 10 years. It is the second highest colour in a four-tier system of gale warnings.

The temperature in Beijing could drop by 12 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, according to CCTV. Meteorologists have warned that some wind speeds may surpass or rival April records from 1951.

The state broadcaster said that heavy snowfall is expected in Inner Mongolia and northeast China. Hailstorms could also hit southern China.

The half-marathon in Beijing, originally scheduled for Sunday and featuring humanoid robotic runners racing alongside human runners as a showcase of China’s advancements in frontier technology has been postponed a week until April 19.

CCTV reported that several passenger train routes in Beijing and the surrounding area were suspended.

Authorities have also announced the closure of a number tourist attractions and parks.

CCTV reported that more than 4,800 trees in the city have been strengthened or pruned, to reduce their risk of falling.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, natural disasters in China resulted in direct economic losses of $9.3 billion yuan (about $1.27 billion) during the first two months of the year 2025. $1 = 7.3207 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Reporting and editing by Ethan Wang, Ryan Woo)

(source: Reuters)