What's happened
On April 12, 2025, Beijing faced unprecedented winds reaching up to 148 km/h, prompting the cancellation of 693 flights and the closure of major attractions. Residents were advised to avoid non-essential travel as the city issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, with more severe weather expected.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of Severe Weather on Urban Life
- Travel Disruptions: The cancellation of 693 flights at Beijing's airports and suspension of train services highlights the immediate impact on travel and logistics.
- Public Safety Concerns: Authorities have advised residents to avoid non-essential travel, reflecting the seriousness of the weather conditions.
- Economic Implications: The closure of tourist attractions and events, such as the Universal Studios theme park and a scheduled half-marathon, indicates potential economic losses for local businesses.
- Climate Change Context: This event underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns in China, likely exacerbated by climate change, raising concerns about future preparedness and resilience in urban planning.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the winds are expected to break April records, with gusts reaching up to 148 km/h. The Independent reported that over 400 trees were toppled and nearly 7,000 people evacuated in Beijing. The New York Times noted that the winds stem from a polar vortex in Mongolia, causing significant disruptions. The Guardian emphasized the historical context, stating these winds could rival those recorded in 1951. The South China Morning Post highlighted the broader impact of sandstorms across northern China, affecting visibility and travel.
How we got here
The severe winds are attributed to a polar vortex from Mongolia, marking the strongest April winds in Beijing since 1951. This weather event has led to widespread disruptions across northern China, including sandstorms and blizzards in various regions.
Go deeper
- What caused the severe winds in Beijing?
- How are residents coping with the weather disruptions?
- What measures are being taken to ensure public safety?
Common question
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How are Severe Winds Affecting Daily Life in Beijing?
On April 12, 2025, Beijing and northern China are experiencing unprecedented severe winds due to a polar vortex. With gusts reaching up to 93 mph, daily life has been significantly disrupted. This situation raises many questions about safety, travel, and the broader implications of climate change.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².