SHENZHEN residents experienced the hottest winter solstice in 20 years Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 26.9 degrees Celsius.

On the Chinese lunar calendar, the winter solstice, which generally falls on Dec. 22, is theoretically the coldest day of the year.

The hottest winter solstice in Shenzhen’s meteorological history was recorded in 1992, when the maximum temperature reached 27.9 degrees Celsius. The second hottest was recorded in 1998, when the temperature reached 27.7 degrees Celsius.

The warm winter weather will run until Thursday, when a round of cold air will gradually lower temperatures in the city. The weather will be wet and cold as the year comes to an end and through the beginning of the new year. As the city has entered a high-risk period for flu outbreak, the Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory reminded residents to keep warm to prevent catching a cold. (Han Ximin)