Sat Apr 12 12:48:27 UTC 2025: ## Beijing Batters by Record-Breaking Winds; Flights Cancelled, City Shuts Down
**Beijing, China** – Beijing issued its second-highest gale alert on Saturday, a first in a decade, as a powerful cold vortex from Mongolia unleashed ferocious winds across the capital. The gusts, potentially breaking April wind speed records dating back to 1951, forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, the closure of major attractions, and prompted warnings for residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
The city’s two international airports, Beijing Capital and Daxing, cancelled 693 flights by Saturday afternoon, with further disruptions anticipated. Nationwide, some areas experienced their strongest winds in over 75 years, reaching speeds of up to 148 km/h (92 mph). This extreme weather also brought late snow to Inner Mongolia and hail to southern China.
Iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven were closed, along with Universal Studios Beijing. Outdoor events, including a planned half-marathon featuring humanoid robots, were also cancelled.
The severe weather prompted widespread concern, particularly for food delivery workers navigating the hazardous conditions. Social media was flooded with messages expressing solidarity and urging caution.
Sandstorms, sweeping across eight provinces from Inner Mongolia to the Yangtze River region, further disrupted travel. Shanghai is also bracing for the impact of sandstorms.
The extreme weather event highlights the ongoing challenges China faces in mitigating the effects of sandstorms, a recurring issue exacerbated by the proximity of arid regions to the capital. The city has been engaged in long-term efforts to reduce the impact of these storms on its residents.
First Piper 