Beijing is experiencing an unprecedented cold wave, marking the most prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures in December in over seven decades. The Chinese capital, along with northern and central regions of China, is grappling with severe snowstorms and record-breaking cold.
As of Sunday, a local weather observatory reported more than 300 hours of sub-freezing temperatures since December 11, a record dating back to 1951, as noted by the official newspaper Beijing Daily. During this period, Beijing endured nine consecutive days with temperatures plummeting below minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
The frigid conditions have prompted authorities to take measures such as the closure of schools and highways multiple times due to snowstorms in various parts of northern and central China. A total of 78 weather stations across the country registered record lows for December temperatures, with averages in certain northern and central areas reaching historic lows not seen since 1961, according to the National Meteorological Centre.
The unusually prolonged cold spell has raised concerns and disrupted daily life in affected regions, highlighting the severity of this winter season in China.
