Group 1 - In January 2026, the average temperature in China was -4.2°C, which is 0.7°C higher than the same period in previous years, with four cold air processes affecting the country, which is 1.2 times more than usual [2] - A significant cold air event occurred from January 16 to 21, leading to severe weather conditions including heavy snow and freezing rain, impacting electricity, transportation, and agriculture [2] - The average precipitation in January was 4.5 mm, which is 65.1% less than the historical average, resulting in drought conditions in several regions, including Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Guangdong [2] Group 2 - In February 2026, four cold air processes are expected, with varying intensities, affecting temperature and precipitation across the country [4] - Most regions in southern China are expected to have temperatures 1 to 2°C higher than the historical average, while northern areas may experience temperatures close to or slightly below average [4] - Precipitation is forecasted to be higher in northern regions and lower in southern areas, with some regions experiencing a 20% to 50% increase in precipitation compared to historical averages [4] Group 3 - There is a warning for potential strong cold spells, heavy snowfall, and strong winds in northern regions, with recommendations for agricultural and transportation sectors to prepare for adverse weather conditions [5] - Increased dust storm days and intensity are expected in the northwest and southern Xinjiang, while fog or haze days may increase in the Fenwei Plain and Yangtze River Delta [5]

Core Insights - January saw higher than average temperatures in China, with significant fluctuations due to frequent cold air intrusions [2] - Precipitation levels were notably lower than the historical average, leading to drought conditions in several regions [2] Temperature and Weather Patterns - The average temperature from January 1 to 27 was -4.2°C, which is 0.7°C higher than the same period in previous years [2] - There were four cold air events, which is 1.2 times more than the historical average, with a significant cold wave occurring from January 16 to 21 [2] - The cold wave resulted in temperature drops exceeding 12°C over an area of approximately 2.78 million square kilometers, with 63 stations reporting drops of 20°C or more [2] Precipitation and Drought Conditions - The national average precipitation was 4.5 mm, which is 65.1% lower than the historical average for January [2] - Drought conditions have developed in southeastern East China and eastern South China, with areas experiencing moderate to severe drought [2] Dust Storm Events - Two dust storm events affected China in January, specifically from January 8 to 10 and January 17 to 19 [3] - The latter event reached sandstorm levels, impacting regions such as eastern and southern Xinjiang, central Gansu, and parts of Qinghai and Ningxia [3]