Extreme Weather Hits China

In the past 12 months extreme weather has hit many parts of the globe. Currently, China is experiencing widespread heavy snowfalls and freezing rain. The southwestern provinces of Hunan and Guizhou were hit with freezing rain which closed down their major highways, stranding 8 000 people. Vehicles numbering around 1500 were stopped on the roads due to the bad conditions. When the sleet and freezing rain stops, heavy snow is expected to follow.

Officials are trying to look on the positive side, saying that all this precipitation will ease the drought that the area has been experiencing.

In China's northwest, Xinjiang province saw temperatures plummet to -42 C accompanied by heavy snowfalls. The northeastern part of China saw the city of Harbin witness 11 days of snowfall - a record for December in that city. China is bracing for full out cold coverage over the next few days.

Ref: China Daily

Warnings with regard to weather extremes have been given by those trying to educate the public with regard to climate change. Some areas are expected to experience colder temperatures while others find their climate has warmed. More heat generates more energy into the weather systems producing heavier precipitation and stronger winds.