A strong cold front is about to sweep across China as Typhoon Kong-rey is likely to make landfall on the mainland, China Daily reported.
Typhoon Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of this year's typhoon season in China, is forecast to make landfall on the east coast of Taiwan (China) around noon and evening on October 31. After that, Typhoon Kong-rey gradually turns northeast, towards coastal areas of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, weakening but still at risk of making landfall in these areas, according to the latest typhoon forecast from the China National Meteorological Center (CMA).
CMA Deputy Director Dai Kan said that Typhoon Kong-rey formed in the northwest Pacific Ocean on October 25. By the afternoon of October 29, the center of the storm was about 780 km southeast of Taitung, Taiwan (China) with maximum winds of level 13 near the center of the storm.
Due to the influence of cold air, the area near the storm's center may have wind speeds from level 13 to level 17 in the coming days, with gusts above level 17.
CMA's weather forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rain in Taiwan (China), Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Jiangsu from October 30 to November 1.
CMA noted that its statistical data shows that since 1949, no typhoon has made landfall or approached the coast of Fujian and Zhejiang after October 25.
"People in these areas should closely monitor the storm's path and take precautions against wind and rain," forecaster Dai Kan advised.
In addition to the impact of typhoon Kong-rey, typhoon No. 6 Tra Mi in the East Sea along with cold air has caused heavy rain and strong winds in the coastal areas of Zhejiang, Guangdong and Hainan provinces since October 28.
In October, temperatures across most parts of China were near or above average, with significant fluctuations between warm and cold conditions, said Jia Xiaolong, deputy director of the China National Climate Center.
"There have been two heavy rains, easing drought conditions in Sichuan and Chongqing provinces, as well as areas along the Yang Zi River," he said.
The national average temperature in China was 11.8 degrees Celsius in October, 0.9 degrees Celsius higher than in a normal year. Five cold fronts have affected China's weather so far this month, he added.
From September 29 to October 3, a cold wave caused temperatures in central and eastern China to drop by 8 to 14 degrees Celsius. Frost and snowfall in some areas of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Gansu Province caused damage to people.
The national average rainfall in China reached 35 mm, 6.3% higher than normal for the same period of the year. "Some weather stations reported daily rainfall that broke historical records for October," said weather expert Jia.
According to the weather forecast for the next 10 days, China will experience wind and rain due to Typhoon Kong-rey, accompanied by another strong cold front. From November 3 to 5, the strong cold front will move from the north to the south, bringing wind and lowering temperatures.
