CNN has reported that Beijing is currently facing its longest cold wave on record since 1951. December in the Chinese capital has marked the coldest in history, with temperatures frequently dropping below -10°C. This contrasts with the extreme heat experienced just six months ago when Beijing recorded its hottest June day at just over 40°C. Winter in China has already seen several waves of exceptionally cold weather.

Beijing's chilling temperatures have broken records for sub-zero hours in December, dating back to 1951. Since December 11, when the temperature first dipped below zero, it has remained there for over 300 hours. The northern and northeastern regions of China have been hit by an unprecedented chill, with some areas experiencing temperatures as low as minus 40°C, influenced by frigid Arctic air.

The onset of cold weather in Beijing has led to operational challenges in the city's metro system. Snowy conditions contributed to a metro collision earlier this month, resulting in hundreds of commuters being sent to the hospital, some with fractured bones.

The central Chinese province of Henan, located southwest of Beijing, is grappling with a winter heating supply shortage. Thermal power suppliers in Jiaozuo, a city in Henan, are under pressure to ensure adequate supplies. Issues with heating boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, a major supplier, have left some areas urgently requiring additional heat supply.

Relief is anticipated as warm air is expected to flow from the north to the south, gradually raising temperatures from the upcoming weekend. By Sunday afternoon, temperatures in central and eastern China had already rebounded, with some areas experiencing increases of more than 10°C, according to China's weather authority.