China Weather Network reports that it’s that time of year again—time to pull out your thermal underwear! Starting today, October 18th, a powerful cold front is set to sweep across most areas north of the Yangtze River, bringing strong winds and a significant drop in temperatures. Many regions will experience what feels like a seasonal shift with temperature declines of over 14 degrees Celsius in some areas. After the temperature drop, the minimum temperature line will fall to around central Inner Mongolia and northern Hebei.
As we brace for the cold, how are residents reacting?
“With this strong cold front accompanied by winds, it’s essential for people in over ten provinces to dig out their thermal underwear,” says a meteorologist. “Over the next few days, we have several cold air masses coming in, particularly on the 19th and again from the 21st to the 22nd. The first of these cold fronts has already arrived, impacting most regions north of the Yangtze. In northern North China and central-southern Northeast China, temperatures are expected to plummet by 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, with some areas possibly seeing drops of over 14 degrees.”
This cold snap is set to redefine comfort for many, heralding the return of what many call the “warmth savior”—thermal underwear.
The national thermal underwear warning map from the China Weather Network indicates that from October 18th to 20th, places like northwestern and southern Xinjiang, central-eastern Inner Mongolia, western Gansu, much of Qinghai, and the majority of Tibet will see minimum temperatures dropping below freezing. In these areas, many spots in Northeast China and western North China will struggle to reach even 10 degrees during the day. It’s clear that a regular pair of thermal underwear won’t cut it; residents will need the thicker versions to combat these early winter-like chills.
In urban centers like Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Zhengzhou, the maximum temperature on the 20th is expected to hover around 10 degrees, while minimums could drop to about 5 degrees. Local residents are being advised, “Make sure to wear your thermal underwear when you head out; with this temperature drop, there’s no need to shiver.”
On the other hand, areas south of the Yangtze River will experience milder impacts. The temperature there will only dip slightly, allowing some residents to continue wearing lighter clothing for a bit longer. Particularly in Southern China, while many in the north are donning winter clothes, temperatures are expected to remain around 30 degrees, allowing locals to savor the last remnants of summer.
As temperatures drop unexpectedly, we hear many joking online, “Real maturity starts when you proactively put on your thermal underwear.” However, there are some doubts about the age-old wisdom of “spring covers and autumn freezes.” So, how do you know if it’s time to trade in your regular pants for thermal ones?
Experts suggest three key considerations:
1. **Watch the Temperature** – When the minimum temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, it’s time to reach for those thermal pants. While “autumn freezing” can help build cold resistance, it’s really only effective during early fall. As we move into late autumn, particularly after the Frost’s Descent festival, be prepared to layer up.
2. **Listen to Your Body** – If you’re frequently feeling a chill in your legs, especially after coming indoors, that’s a signal it’s time for thermal underwear. For individuals who sit for long periods or have circulation issues, even if it’s not particularly cold indoors, thermal pants can make a big difference.
3. **Consider Your Health** – Special populations, such as the elderly, those suffering from arthritis, or anyone with a generally weak constitution, should consider wearing thermal pants sooner to maintain warmth. Additionally, residents in damp and cold southern climates may want to adopt thermal underwear as soon as temperatures begin to dip.
In summary, as the saying goes, “No matter how far you go, wearing thermal underwear is a must.” The China Weather Network advises everyone to be proactive—this cold front is potent and demands we transition from warmer weather apparel to winter layers. With ongoing rain and snow expected in some regions over the next few days, residents should also take care while traveling.
