China Recorded A Weekend Of Massive Snowstorm and Record Breaking Heat Rise

China experienced a dramatic weather divide over the weekend, as heavy snowstorms battered parts of the eastern province of Shandong, while Shanghai recorded its hottest early March temperature in over 150 years.

Authorities in Shandong issued two red alerts for hazardous road ice and blizzards, prompting several districts to cancel classes on Monday. Meanwhile, about 400 miles (640 kilometers) south in Shanghai, residents took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, shedding winter layers to enjoy ice cream in the sun.

Blizzards Disrupt Travel in Shandong

On Sunday, blizzards swept across Shandong, which lies south of Beijing, blanketing some areas with up to 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) of snow, according to state-run media outlet Global Times.

Photos from the provincial capital, Jinan, showed residents bundled in thick coats and boots, workers clearing snow-covered roads, and parks filled with newly built snowmen.

The severe weather caused disruptions to high-speed rail services, delaying multiple train lines passing through the province.

Shanghai Sizzles in Record Heat

While Shandong battled heavy snowfall, Shanghai, China’s financial hub, faced the opposite extreme. The city of nearly 25 million people recorded a sweltering 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday—the highest early March temperature in over a century and a half.

Residents took full advantage of the unexpected warmth, flocking outdoors in t-shirts and shorts. Photos from the city showed people enjoying ice cream in the sun, while children played in public fountains.

Signs of an Unpredictable Climate

Temperatures in Shanghai are expected to drop in the coming days, but the stark contrast in weather conditions across China highlights the increasing unpredictability of the country’s climate.

In recent years, China has faced a surge in extreme weather events, including record-breaking heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods—phenomena scientists link to climate change.

As global temperatures continue to rise, experts warn that such weather extremes could become even more frequent, posing challenges for both infrastructure and daily life across the country.