Historic Cold Wave Hits Beijing and Northern China

Record-breaking temperatures strain heating systems, but a warm-up is expected soon.

Beijing has experienced its coldest December since records began in 1951, with over 300 hours of sub-freezing temperatures.
The city also endured nine consecutive days of temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius.
Several cities in Henan province faced a winter heating supply crunch, with major suppliers struggling to meet demand.
Temperatures at 78 weather stations across China hit record lows for December, while average temperatures in northern and some central parts of China hit record lows set in 1961.
Despite the historic cold, temperatures are expected to rise again, with warm air flowing from the country's north to south.