China’s capital Beijing is preparing for a spell of potentially severe rainfall, with some areas forecast to receive more than 200 mm of rain within 24 hours as moisture from Typhoon Dolphin moves north and interacts with a cooler air mass over northern China.
The rainfall is expected to begin late Tuesday and continue through Thursday, raising concerns over urban flooding, waterlogging, landslides and disruption to road and public transport networks.
Meteorologists have warned that the intensity of the rainfall could put pressure on drainage systems in the densely populated capital, while mountainous districts face additional risks from flash floods and landslides.
More Than 150 mm Forecast
The Beijing Meteorological Service has forecast more than 150 mm of rainfall across large parts of the city's urban and suburban areas within 24 hours.
Some locations could record more than 100 mm in just six hours, indicating the possibility of intense downpours over short periods.
The heaviest rainfall is expected across several suburban and mountainous districts, including Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou and Fengtai.
Some of these areas could receive more than 200 mm in a single day.
Months of Rain in One Day
The forecast rainfall is significant compared with Beijing's annual precipitation.
The Chinese capital typically receives around 528 mm of rainfall over an entire year. If some areas receive more than 200 mm in 24 hours, the amount would represent a substantial share of the city's annual rainfall in just one day.
Such concentrated rainfall can rapidly increase runoff, overwhelm drainage infrastructure and raise the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
Typhoon Dolphin Drives Moisture
The developing weather system is linked to moisture associated with Typhoon Dolphin, which recently affected parts of China.
As moisture moves northward, it is converging with a cooler air mass over northern China. The interaction is helping create conditions favourable for widespread and intense rainfall over Beijing.
The system is being closely monitored as forecasters assess how its track and intensity could affect the capital and surrounding areas.
Flooding and Landslide Concerns
Authorities are particularly concerned about flooding in urban areas and landslides in Beijing's mountainous districts.
Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm drainage networks, causing water to accumulate on roads, underpasses and other low-lying locations. Rising water levels in rivers and waterways are another concern.
Districts such as Mentougou and Fangshan face additional risks because of their mountainous terrain. Intense rainfall in these areas can trigger flash floods and landslides with limited warning.
Flood-control teams, emergency services and municipal drainage departments have been placed on heightened alert.
Residents Asked to Limit Travel
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the most intense period of rainfall.
People have been advised to stay away from low-lying areas, underground passages and roads that are vulnerable to waterlogging.
Residents in mountainous areas have also been warned to avoid locations at risk of flash floods and landslides.
Public transport and road traffic could face disruptions if rainfall becomes intense enough to affect major routes.
Rain to Continue Through Thursday
The heaviest rainfall is expected from Tuesday night through Thursday, keeping emergency agencies on alert for possible flooding and other weather-related incidents.
Officials are monitoring rainfall patterns and preparing response teams in vulnerable districts.
With some locations potentially receiving more than 200 mm of rain in 24 hours, authorities are focusing on drainage, flood prevention, emergency response and public safety as Beijing prepares for the approaching weather system.
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