Beijing hit by record December lows, longest cold wave since 1951, China
Beijing has recorded its longest cold wave since records began in 1951, with the capital experiencing more than 300 hours of sub-zero temperatures since December 11.
The cold wave has brought a sweeping chill across northern and northeastern parts of China, with some areas in the northeast experiencing temperatures plunging to -40 °C/°F and below.
This Arctic blast has been particularly harsh in Beijing, where the Nanjiao weather station recorded its first rise above 0 °C (32 °F) on Sunday afternoon, December 24, breaking the freezing streak that persisted since December 11.
This period marked over 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures for the capital, the most extended duration for the month of December since record-keeping began in 1951. Furthermore, the city endured nine consecutive days of temperatures below -10 °C (14 °F).
The plummeting temperatures have caused disruptions to the city’s metro system, leading to a collision between two trains earlier in the month amid snowy conditions. The incident resulted in hundreds of commuters seeking medical attention, with many suffering from fractured bones.
The extremely cold temperatures complicated rescue efforts following a deadly earthquake earlier in the month in northwest Gansu province.
The intense cold wave has pushed the heating capacities of several northern cities to their limits. In the central province of Henan, multiple system failures were reported due to the overwhelming demand for heating. Jiaozuo, a city in Henan, experienced a partial halt in heating services due to a dysfunction at the Wanfang power plant.
Other cities in the province, including Puyang and Pingdingshan, had to cut heating to government buildings and state-owned enterprises to prioritize essential services like hospitals, schools, and residential buildings.
Beijing also recorded its hottest June in 2023, with temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F).
References:
1 Beijing records longest cold wave in modern history – CNN – December 25, 2023
2 China: Beijing temperature dips down to -41 celsius, coldest December since 1951 I VIDEO – IndiaTV – December 26, 2023
Featured image: SCMP (stillshot)
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