Beijing Weather Forecast: China Capital on Alert as One-Third of Annual Rainfall Expected in 24 Hours From Typhoon Dolphin Remnants
Beijing has activated a Level II flood emergency as it braces for torrential rain driven by the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin. Forecasts predict over one-third of the city's annual rainfall within 24 hours. Authorities have suspended construction, closed tourist sites, and initiated evacuations in high-risk areas to mitigate risks of flooding and landslides.
Authorities in Beijing have activated a Level II flood-control emergency response - the second-highest in the city’s hierarchy - as the capital prepares for extreme rainfall. Meteorologists warn that the city could receive more than one-third of its average annual precipitation within a single 24-hour window, beginning late Tuesday, August 11. The weather event is driven by moisture from the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin, which made two landfalls in Zhejiang province over the weekend, converging with a mass of cool air over northern China.
Extreme Rainfall Forecast
According to the Beijing meteorological service, most areas of the capital are expected to experience heavy downpours from Tuesday evening through Thursday. Forecasts indicate:
- Accumulated Rainfall: More than 100 mm within six hours, and exceeding 150 mm within 24 hours.
- Localised Impacts: In districts such as Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou, and Fengtai, cumulative rainfall may surpass 200 mm in a 24-hour period, reported Reuters.
For context, Beijing’s average annual rainfall is approximately 528 mm, with the majority typically falling between June and September. The expected deluge poses a significant risk of urban waterlogging, flash flooding, and landslides in mountainous areas. Typhoon Dolphin: Flooding Hits China, Death Toll Rises as Storm Triggers Landslide Risks.
Emergency Measures and Public Safety
In response to the looming threat, city authorities have initiated comprehensive safety measures to protect residents and infrastructure:
- Evacuations and Closures: Residents in high-risk areas are being evacuated. All mountain campsites and scenic tourist areas have been closed, and construction work across the city has been suspended.
- Work and Education: Beginning Wednesday, employers are encouraged to adopt flexible working hours or staggered schedules to minimise commuter risk. Schools may suspend classes and in-person training depending on evolving weather conditions.
- Outdoor Activities: All organised outdoor sports and group activities have been halted until further notice. Typhoon Dolphin: China Issues Highest Red Alert as Storm Nears Eastern Coastline.
The National Meteorological Center has maintained an orange alert for rainstorms across a broad region, including Tianjin, Shandong, and Hebei, as the storm system continues to move northward. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official guidance as the city braces for the arrival of the heavy rainfall.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
