Beijing has set a new record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in December, surpassing previous records dating back to 1951. This record-breaking chill follows a severe cold wave that has impacted much of northern and northeastern China, with temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 40°C (minus 40°F) in some regions.
Since December 11, Beijing has experienced over 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures, according to Beijing Daily, marking the longest stretch of sub-zero temperatures in the city’s recorded history.
During this period, the capital has endured nine straight days with temperatures below minus 10°C (14°F).
In the central province of Henan, southwest of Beijing, cities are facing a heating supply crisis. Jiaozuo, a major city in Henan, is struggling with heating shortages due to malfunctioning boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, a key thermal power supplier.
Capital Endures Longest Stretch of Below-Freezing Temperatures Since 1951; Henan Faces Heating Supply Crisis Amid Severe ColdThe company is working to repair the boilers and anticipates restoring service by December 26. In the meantime, the city will restrict heat supply to non-essential businesses, prioritizing residential heating. However, some residential areas may still be affected.
Other cities in Henan, including Puyang and Pingdingshan, have also suspended heat supply to government buildings to prioritize residential needs amid the extreme cold.
Forecasts predict that temperatures in these cities will remain below freezing, with lows around minus 15°C (5°F) over the weekend. However, warmer air is expected to move from north to south, leading to a slight temperature increase in central and eastern China by Sunday afternoon.