Beijing is expected to see its first significant snowfall of this winter season on Friday as a strong cold front sweeps into the region, the municipal meteorological observatory said on Wednesday.
Most areas of the capital are forecast to receive moderate snowfall, while parts of the southern districts and surrounding mountainous regions may experience heavy snow, according to the Beijing Meteorological Observatory.
Zhang Linna, the observatory’s chief forecaster, said snow will first appear in the western mountainous areas early Friday before gradually spreading to nearby plains. The snowfall is expected to peak from midday through late evening. While precipitation over the plains will taper off overnight, the mountains are likely to see continued snowfall into Saturday morning.
Temperatures are also set to plunge sharply, with the nighttime low on Saturday forecast to drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
The city’s meteorological authorities have cautioned that the upcoming snowfall may lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility, heightening the risk of traffic congestion and accidents, particularly in mountainous areas.