This winter has been the nation's coldest since 1986-87, as
measured by the lowest average temperature, the China
Meteorological Administration said on Monday.
Temperatures varied widely, hitting a record high at the
beginning of this winter and falling to the extremely low level
later, the administration added.
Since December, the temperature averaged minus 2 degrees
Celsius, 0.3 degree below normal and a record low for the past two
decades.
From Jan. 11 to Feb. 14, the temperature averaged minus 7.6
degrees Celsius nationwide, 2.5 degrees below normal, the
administration said.
Over the past month, freezing weather gripped much of southern
China. The severe weather, the worst in five decades for the south,
killed 107 people and caused 111.1 billion yuan (15.45 billion U.S.
dollars) in losses. In all, 21 provinces, autonomous regions and
municipalities were affected.
(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2008)
