Powerful winds swept through northern China on April 12, 2025, compelling Beijing's 22 million residents to remain indoors. Meteorologists predict these winds could be the strongest recorded for April since 1951, potentially hitting speeds of 83 to 92 miles per hour. Originating from a polar vortex in Mongolia, the gales have already caused significant disruptions, including over 400 trees being uprooted and nearly 7,000 evacuations in the city, as reported by state media.
Initial reports indicated that the region began experiencing wind and rain as early as Friday, followed by dust storms affecting cities across northern China, including Beijing. Yang Bobo, a postgraduate student in the capital, described the howling winds as “wailing like ghosts.” The uproar even dislodged a glass door from her school, causing it to shatter.
In response to the extreme weather, city officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and cancelled numerous weekend events, including soccer matches and a marathon set for Sunday. Train and bus services were suspended, and China Southern Airlines reported the cancellation of 340 flights due to the adverse conditions.
In the wake of a warm spell with temperatures soaring to the 80s, the forecast suggested a sharp decline, with highs barely reaching 57°F on Saturday. Strong winds were also anticipated in neighboring Shanxi, Hebei provinces, and Inner Mongolia. Meteorological agencies in South Korea and Japan issued similar warnings as the weather system moved towards their western coasts, emphasizing the broad impact of the polar vortex originating from Mongolia.
