Beijing, China – The Chinese capital experienced its longest cold wave on record, dating back to 1951. The recent biting temperatures and snowfall, although beginning to ease, have caused major disruptions in the city and beyond. The Nanjiao weather station in Beijing recorded temperatures rising above zero degrees Celsius for the first time in days, a welcome relief from the sub-zero temperatures that persisted for over 300 hours.

The extreme cold wave also impacted other parts of China, with the heating capacity of some cities in northern China pushed to its limits. China’s central province of Henan experienced multiple system failures, leading to partial halts in heating in some areas. In Jiaozuo, heating was temporarily stopped after a malfunction at a power plant, while other cities in the province cut heating to government buildings and state-owned enterprises to prioritize resources for hospitals, schools, and residential buildings.

In addition to the impact on infrastructure, the cold weather in Beijing has had serious consequences for the city’s transportation system. Earlier this month, a collision between two trains on a busy metro line resulted in hundreds of commuters being sent to the hospital, some with fractured bones. The cold temperatures also hampered rescue efforts after a deadly earthquake struck northwest Gansu province.

Despite the challenges, the recent rise in temperatures in Beijing brings hope for relief from the prolonged cold wave. As the city and other affected areas work to address the aftermath of the extreme weather, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being and safety of all residents.