Northern China is poised to experience a significant warming trend this week, with temperatures forecast to reach around 25 C in some areas, setting new highs for the year so far, according to meteorological authorities.

Temperatures rose across most northern regions on Tuesday, with many cities in North China and the Huanghuai region recording highs above 20 C. The warming trend is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with the 20 C isotherm extending northward to parts of northern Hebei and western Liaoning, according to Weather China, a website affiliated with the China Meteorological Administration.

Daytime highs in the central and southern parts of North China and the central and northern Huanghuai region could reach around 25 C, while cities across Northeast and North China are forecast to set new highs for the year so far.

Hohhot in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region may see its first 20 C reading of the year, while Jinan in Shandong province is expected to hit 25 C — also a first for 2026 — bringing warmth comparable to late April or early May in a typical year.

Overnight lows will also rise, with most areas in the central and southern parts of North China and the Huanghuai region seeing temperatures climb to 10 C or above by Thursday.

Cold air activity is expected to remain subdued through the end of March, allowing the warming trend to intensify.

Despite the significant daytime warmth, nighttime temperatures across most northern areas will remain relatively cool, with daily temperature differences of more than 10 C or even 15 C. In Northeast China, lows in many places will hover around freezing, while in North China, overnight temperatures will remain in the single digits, reminding residents to dress warmly when heading out during the cooler hours.

The warming will be less pronounced in South China, where highs are expected to be in line with seasonal averages. Around Wednesday, a north-south temperature inversion could occur, with cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing in East China forecast to see daytime highs below 15 C — cooler than highs expected in cities like Shenyang, Changchun and Harbin in Northeast China.

Tang Xiaojing, a meteorological analyst at Weather China, said the warming will be most pronounced in North China, the Huanghuai region and Northeast China due to clear skies and limited cloud cover, which enhance daytime radiative warming.

Meanwhile, frequent rainfall and reduced sunshine will keep temperatures subdued in many parts of the South, where highs during cloudy or rainy periods may fall below seasonal norms, she said.