Frost and icy roads hit northern Guangdong; Shenzhen braces for 9°C chill

The strongest cold wave of the year has reached its peak today, bringing sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions to northern Guangdong while plunging Shenzhen into a "deep freeze" mode.

Motorcyclists and pedestrians brace against a biting morning chill at a crossing in Futian District yesterday. Shenzhen entered a "deep freeze" mode this week as the season’s strongest cold wave brought a sharp drop in temperatures to the region. Photos by Liu Xudong excepte otherwise stated

Ice and traffic controls in the norther part

Rime ice coats branches in the mountains of Qingyuan, Guangdong Province yesterday. Photo from WeChat account "广东新闻广播"

While snow remains a rarity reserved only for the highest peaks, the impact of the cold in the north is felt through severe icing and frost. High-altitude regions in Shaoguan and Qingyuan saw temperatures drop to between -4°C and 0°C overnight.

Rather than heavy snow, these areas are experiencing freezing rain and sleet, which have coated roads in dangerous layers of ice. 

To prevent accidents, Shaoguan traffic police have implemented a total closure of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway (Shaoguan North section) between Meihua and Daqiao stations. The reopening times will dependent on de-icing efforts.

Shenzhen braces for 9°C chill

Pedestrians wearing heavy winter clothing cross an intersection in Futian District yesterday. Liu Xudong

In the coastal south, Shenzhen residents woke up to a sharp "seasonal shift" as the city’s Cold Weather Yellow Warning remains in effect.

Temperatures in Shenzhen are expected to bottom out at 9°C today, with daytime highs struggling to reach 13°C.

The "chill factor" is being amplified by strong northerly winds, with gusts along the coast and in high-altitude areas reaching 7-8 levels (up to 70 km/h).

The city remains under overcast skies with intermittent light drizzle, adding a damp, piercing quality to the cold.

The week ahead

Forecasters indicate that the peak of this cold snap will persist through early tomorrow. Starting tomorrow, the cold air mass is expected to weaken gradually, leading to a slow recovery in temperatures. However, meteorologists warn that humidity will rise toward the weekend (Jan. 24–28), bringing more frequent light rain and a return of the "grey and damp" weather typical of the region's late winter.

Local authorities urge citizens to exercise caution when using gas heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and to ensure elderly residents are sufficiently protected from the sudden 10-degree drop in temperature.