Source: OT-Team(G)，环球时报; 极目新闻
Beijing issued its first orange alert for strong winds in nearly ten years on April 10, as a powerful cold front begins sweeping across northern China, bringing with it intense winds and widespread sand and dust storms.
Starting April 11, this new wave of cold air will move east and south, triggering gale-force winds across much of northern China. Forecasters have warned of unusually sustained and intense winds for this time of year, especially across the North China Plain.
Several outdoor events in Beijing have been canceled or postponed, and flight operations at Beijing Capital International Airport are expected to be disrupted, with cancellations and delays anticipated.
In response to the unfolding situation, the China Meteorological Administration activated a Level III emergency response for major weather-related disasters on April 10.
Here is the wind forecast map from 8 a.m. on April 11 to 8 a.m. on April 12, and from 8 a.m. on April 12 to 8 a.m. on April 13.
Wind Speeds to Reach Level 13 in Some Areas
According to the National Meteorological Center, from April 11 to 12, strong gusts ranging from force 8 to 10 on the Beaufort scale are expected across eastern parts of Northwest China, northern and western North China, and parts of Northeast China. In localized areas, gusts may reach force 11 to 13.
More specifically, winds of force 5 to 7, with gusts up to 10, are forecast for eastern Xinjiang, the Tarim Basin, northern Qinghai, much of Gansu, Ningxia, northern and central Shaanxi, large parts of Inner Mongolia, and portions of the Northeast, as well as regions of the Central and Lower Yangtze River basin, including parts of Jianghuai, Jianghan, and northern Jiangnan.
In central and western Inner Mongolia and northern Hebei, wind gusts may peak at force 12 to 13. Overwater areas including the Bohai Sea, Bohai Strait, most of the Yellow Sea, and parts of the East China Sea are expected to see gale-force winds of force 7 to 8, with gusts up to force 10.
Just How Destructive Is a Force 13 Wind?
According to China's wind classification system, force 9 winds—also known as "strong gales"—can reach speeds of 20.8 to 24.4 meters per second and are capable of damaging buildings. Force 10 winds, labeled "storm gales," can uproot trees and topple structures, reaching speeds of 24.5 to 28.4 meters per second.
Winds exceeding force 11 are rare over land. A force 11 "violent storm" can hit 28.5 to 32.6 meters per second, while force 12 is equivalent to a "typhoon or hurricane" with wind speeds of 32.7 to 36.9 meters per second. Force 13 winds, which may occur in some areas during this cold front, range from 37.0 to 41.4 meters per second and pose serious hazards.
Expert: Strong Pressure Gradient Behind Extreme Winds
Ma Xuekuan, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center, noted that this weather event is characterized by its long duration, large coverage, strong intensity, and high risk of damage. The most significant impacts are expected from the afternoon of April 11 through the daytime of April 13, with peak wind conditions on April 12.
Public Safety Measures During the Orange Gale Alert
During the orange-level wind warning, residents are urged to take the following precautions:
1.All organized outdoor activities, including sports and school events, should be canceled.
2.Avoid outdoor activities and strictly prohibit any open flames outdoors.
3.Unless necessary, stay indoors. Avoid parking or walking near tall buildings, billboards, temporary structures, or large trees.
4.Suspend all outdoor construction and amusement park operations.
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