Beijing has just endured its coldest December since records began in 1951, following a severe cold wave that swept across much of China. Temperatures in Beijing dropped below -10°C, accompanied by heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions.
The northern and northeastern regions of China experienced even harsher conditions, with some areas plummeting to -40°C as Arctic air surged southward.
The Beijing Weather Observatory reported that temperatures stayed below freezing for over 300 hours in December, marking the longest such period in 72 years.
Beijing sees record-breaking cold with temperatures dropping below -10°C for over 300 hours.The intense cold led to the closure of schools and businesses due to travel disruptions and increased heating demands. Although temperatures have risen slightly in the new year, Beijing remains cold, with daytime highs only slightly above freezing.
In Scandinavia, temperatures have also been extreme, with some areas dropping to -40°C. The Kvikkjokk-Arrenjarka weather station in northern Sweden recorded -43.6°C early Wednesday, the coldest January temperature in Sweden since the -49°C record in 1999.
Snowstorms have caused significant travel disruptions, particularly in southern Sweden, where about 1,000 vehicles were trapped and required rescue on Wednesday night.
Additionally, Tropical Storm Alvaro marked the first cyclone of 2024, making landfall on Madagascar’s west coast. Originating off Mozambique in late December, Alvaro intensified into a Severe Tropical Storm before weakening as it crossed Madagascar’s mountainous terrain.
The storm brought over 100mm of rain to southern Madagascar, causing severe flooding, damaging eight houses, and six schools, and affecting power and communication lines.
After crossing Madagascar, Alvaro briefly strengthened to a Moderate Tropical Storm before dissipating in the southern Indian Ocean due to dry air intrusion.