A COLD wave is impacting Shenzhen this week. According to the local meteorological observatory, temperatures are expected to drop to around 8°C today and tomorrow morning. While the weather will stay sunny, it will feel chilly. A temperature rebound is forecast beginning Friday.

Meanwhile, a red alert for forest fire danger remains in effect. The public is reminded to stay vigilant regarding wildfire prevention, as well as home fire and electrical safety.

Despite the recent cold snap, Shenzhen has not yet met the official criteria for the onset of winter. Meteorologically, the city defines the start of winter as when both the five‑day sliding average temperature and the daily average temperature fall to 10°C or below. As of Jan. 4, however, both measures had remained consistently above this threshold. Historically, based on 1991–2020 data, winter in Shenzhen has typically started around Jan. 21.

(Yu Yuanfan)