Recently, temperatures have risen in most parts of central and eastern China, bringing a strong sense of spring. Just as we were immersed in the beauty of birdsong, blooming flowers, lush grass, and singing orioles, a cold front has returned. From the 8th to the 10th, temperatures dropped significantly across most of central and eastern China, marking the first widespread sandstorm of the year. It is expected that starting on the 12th, under the influence of another cold front, widespread rain, snow, and temperature drops will occur again in central and eastern China.
Spring weather is complex and changeable. Here we remind all netizens to listen to the weather forecast in a timely manner, pay attention to weather changes, and adjust clothing accordingly. In addition to monitoring temperature fluctuations, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common springtime weather or weather phenomena, stay informed, and take precautions early.
Windy weather
Spring is a period of atmospheric circulation adjustment, with frequent shifts between cold and warm air masses. Aside from large temperature variations, frequent windy conditions are another notable feature.
Spring is the transitional season between winter and summer, when the forces of cold and warm air are roughly equal and both are very active. As a result, windy weather often occurs, especially in northern China, where the characteristic is alternating northerly and southerly winds with considerable strength. Generally, the phenomenon of frequent strong winds from both directions does not improve until May. Persistent strong winds can cause significant harm to transportation, water transport, and protected agriculture. In addition, the arrival of cold air causes temperatures to drop, which can easily lead to colds, rhinitis, arthritis, skin diseases, and other illnesses.
Sand and dust weather
As temperatures rise, if there has been little rainfall in the preceding period and the ground is dry, sand and dust weather can easily occur when strong winds blow. Meteorologically, sand and dust weather is classified into floating dust, blowing sand, sandstorms, and severe sandstorms. In northern China, March and April are also peak months for sand and dust weather.
Sand and dust weather leads to a sharp increase in various suspended particles in the atmosphere, particularly harmful inhalable particulate matter, which also rises sharply, significantly degrading air quality. Many of these suspended particles contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in allergic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, hives, and other allergic diseases. Those with allergic constitutions should avoid these allergens and take personal protective measures when going outside.
Spring drought
In the north, especially in the northwest and north China, there is a saying that “nine out of ten springs are dry” and “spring rain is as precious as oil.” When there is little rain or snow in winter, winter wheat is in its overwintering stage and is not very sensitive to water shortages. After entering March, the soil thaws and the wheat begins to turn green; spring crops are sown from south to north. If rainfall continues to be scarce during this period, the signs of drought will become apparent. Regions should strengthen field management during the regreening period based on soil moisture and crop conditions.
Severe convective weather
Spring brings an increasing frequency of severe convective weather. This is because in spring, cold and warm air masses are evenly matched. When they meet, the warm air rises and the cold air sinks, easily forming strong convection that results in frequent thunderstorms and hail. To this end, meteorologists remind all regions to prepare for thunderstorms in a timely manner. Both urban and rural residents, whether living indoors or engaging in outdoor activities, should be very cautious about the threat of lightning strikes.
Low-temperature rainy weather in the south
In early spring or late autumn, consecutive days or even entire months of overcast, rainy, and cold weather with little sunshine are also referred to as low-temperature continuous rainy weather. This type of weather greatly affects crops. For example, rice and cotton are heat-loving crops, and they thrive only in sunny weather with maximum temperatures above 10–12°C and minimum temperatures above 5°C, which promotes uniform seedling growth and robust seedlings. Conversely, low-temperature rainy weather is detrimental to crop growth.
During the rainy season, the high humidity can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it also has a significant impact on mental health. Therefore, it is especially important in spring to adapt to natural changes and climate shifts.
Late spring cold snap
In early spring, when temperatures rise relatively quickly but then remain low for an extended period afterward, this weather phenomenon is called a late spring cold snap. In the south, the main impact of a late spring cold snap is the rotting of early rice seedlings. In the north, it affects the growth of peanuts, vegetables, and cotton, and in severe cases, can even cause the death of wheat seedlings. Agricultural areas need to strengthen field management and improve microclimatic conditions in farmland. Scientific irrigation and drainage should be carried out for early rice seedbeds, using deep water to protect seedlings during a late spring cold snap, adopting strategies such as “irrigating at night and draining during the day” and “draining on sunny days and irrigating on rainy days” to regulate the water and heat conditions of the seedbeds.
A late spring cold snap can also pose risks to human health. In this back-and-forth weather between warmth and chill, it is not advisable to shed winter clothing too early. This is especially true for the elderly, the frail, and those with weakened immune systems, who should especially pay attention to “spring layering.”