China: Beijing Records Longest Cold Wave In 70 Years

As of Sunday, the weather observatory in Beijing documented over 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since December 11.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 25 December 2023 7:49 am

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Beijing, China – In what is now recorded as the longest cold wave since 1951, Beijing faced biting temperatures and heavy snowfall, with conditions beginning to ease. The Nanjiao weather station in Beijing reported a rise in temperature above zero degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, marking the first respite in days.

As of Sunday, the weather observatory in Beijing documented over 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since December 11, setting a record for the month since data collection began in 1951, as reported by Beijing Daily.?

The capital also endured nine consecutive days of temperatures below minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) during this period.

Beyond Beijing, cities in the central Chinese province of Henan, located southwest of the capital, are grappling with a winter heating supply crisis.?

In Jiaozuo, thermal power suppliers are under pressure to ensure supplies, leading to the suspension of heat supply for most businesses. Essential service providers such as hospitals and senior centres will receive priority, although some residential compounds may still be affected during maintenance periods, as reported by local media.

Furthermore, according to local government statements, two other cities in Henan, Puyang and Pingdingshan, have already suspended heat supply to government departments and administrative institutions, prioritising residential usage in response to the extreme cold weather.