A new wave of cold air is bringing rain, snow, and a drop in temperatures, intensifying the chill in the northern regions and making the damp cold more pronounced in the southern areas.

Starting today, December 10, a new wave of strong cold air is sweeping across China, leading to significant temperature drops in most regions. Areas in the north will see more places remaining below freezing throughout the day, intensifying the cold. In the south, many locations will experience maximum temperatures dropping to single digits, accompanied by damp and chilly weather due to overcast and rainy conditions. Meanwhile, the scope of rain and snow across the country remains extensive, with snowfall in the north gradually decreasing over the next couple of days, while widespread rain in the south will continue and gradually shift southward.

The new cold air mass is beginning to affect China, with temperatures in many areas of both the north and south reaching new lows. From today until December 13, the Central Meteorological Observatory predicts that parts of northern Xinjiang, the Tianshan region, eastern Northwest China, northeastern Inner Mongolia, central and northern Northeast China, and western North China will see temperature drops of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing drops of over 10 degrees.

Under the ongoing cooling trend, many areas in eastern Northwest China will see maximum temperatures fall below 0 degrees Celsius for the first time this winter. In major cities, Lanzhou will have a maximum temperature of minus 1 degree Celsius today, marking the first time this winter it has dipped below freezing.

For southern regions, the persistent overcast and rainy weather will lead to an increasing sense of dampness and cold over the next few days. The maximum temperature line of 10 degrees Celsius is expected to move southward across the Yangtze River, with many areas in Jiangnan experiencing maximum temperatures in single digits for the first time since the start of winter, including cities like Hangzhou and Nanchang.

From December 10 to 13, the strong cold air will impact most of the country, bringing significant cold to the north and a strong sense of chill to the south. The public is advised to dress warmly and take precautions against colds and cardiovascular diseases.

Today, widespread snowfall continues in the north, while the next three days will see persistent rain in the southwest and Jiangnan regions. Yesterday, extensive rain and snow began to spread. Monitoring data shows that from 8 AM yesterday to 6 AM today, parts of northern Xinjiang, eastern and southern Qinghai, and central and southern Gansu experienced light to moderate snow, with heavy snow reported in localized areas of Urumqi and Aksu in Xinjiang.

Today, rain and snow will remain widespread across the country, with many areas experiencing a transition between rain and snow. Over the next couple of days, snowfall in the north will gradually decrease, but the extensive rain in the south will continue and shift southward.

The Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts that today, light to moderate snow or sleet will occur in parts of the Tianshan region and western mountainous areas of southern Xinjiang, southwestern Inner Mongolia, eastern Tibet, central and eastern Qinghai, eastern Northwest China, and central and southern Shanxi, with heavy to blizzard conditions expected in localized areas of the Tianshan region and southeastern Tibet. Light to moderate rain will be seen in parts of eastern Southwest China, western and northern Jiangnan, eastern Jianghan, the Yangtze-Huaihe region, and western South China.

Tomorrow, light to moderate snow or sleet is expected in parts of eastern and southern Xinjiang, northeastern Northwest China, western and southern Gansu, and western Tibet. Light to moderate rain will occur in parts of eastern Southwest China, Jiangnan, southern Jianghuai, central and western South China, Hainan Island, and northern and eastern Taiwan.

The day after tomorrow, light snow or sleet is forecasted in parts of central Inner Mongolia, southwestern Xinjiang, central Shaanxi, northeastern Sichuan Plateau, and the Shandong Peninsula. Light rain will be seen in parts of eastern Southwest China, Jiangnan, western South China, Hainan Island, and eastern Taiwan.

Meteorological experts remind that today, parts of Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu will still experience snowfall, with heavy to blizzard conditions in localized areas of the Tianshan region. Local residents should be cautious of the adverse effects of snow accumulation, ice formation, and reduced visibility on transportation and agriculture.