Early January likely to be warmer than normal

Early next month, cold air activity is forecast to remain relatively weak across most of China, resulting in higher-than-average temperatures, an official with the National Climate Center said on Monday.

Xiao Chan, deputy director of the center, said northern regions in the country may experience temperature increases of 3 to 4 C above the seasonal norm, while most other areas will be 1 to 2 C warmer.

However, fluctuations in temperatures will occur due to two waves of cold air that will affect the country, he said during a news conference at China Meteorological Administration.