Cold wave to hit Shenzhen: Temperatures set to plunge below 10°C

A powerful cold front is heading south, bringing Shenzhen its sharpest temperature drop of the season. Starting Tuesday night (Jan. 20), the city will shift from mild to markedly cold conditions, with lows falling below 10°C from Wednesday to Thursday.

Forecast map showing minimum temperatures across Guangdong Province from 8 p.m. Jan. 19 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20. Northern areas in the province are expected to dip as low as 3°C, while southern coastal regions, including Shenzhen, remain milder but will see a sharp drop overnight. Guangdong Meteorological Service

Forecasters say the cold air will arrive in northern Guangdong early Tuesday, spread to central areas by evening, and reach the southern coast — including Shenzhen — later that night.

● Northern Guangdong could see a 7–10°C drop,

● Central regions 5–7°C,

● Southern coastal areas around 3–5°C.

The coldest point is expected around Thursday. In northern Guangdong, temperatures may fall below 5°C, with high-altitude areas dropping to -4°C and possible sleet or freezing rain.

Nationally, this marks the most severe cold snap of the winter so far. From Jan. 17 to 21, central and eastern China will see strong winds, rain, snow, and icy conditions. Southern regions, including Guangdong, will experience not just lower temperatures, but longer-lasting damp cold. In response, a Level IV emergency alert has been issued for Anhui, Henan, Hunan, and Guizhou.

Shenzhen weather outlook:

● Monday: Sunny, dry, cool in the morning and evening.

● Tuesday: Overcast with light rain in spots. Temperatures fall quickly at night.

● Wednesday to Friday: Overcast and cold, with occasional drizzle and a strong chill.

● Saturday onward: Cold air weakens. Gradual temperature rebound.

Shenzhen seven-day forecast from Jan. 19 to Jan. 25: Temperatures will fall sharply from Wednesday, with cold, cloudy, and damp weather midweek.

Authorities urge the public to dress warmly, especially the elderly and children, and to stay alert to travel and service disruptions caused by the cold, wet weather.