Mohe City, renowned as China's 'Arctic Town' in Heilongjiang Province, has recorded its earliest heavy snowfall this week, with 8.1 millimeters blanketing streets and forests. The unexpected autumn snowstorm, which began Monday night, disrupted tourism activities and sent residents scrambling to winterize vehicles amid bustling tire shop queues.
Local authorities activated emergency protocols to clear roads and safeguard power infrastructure, while meteorologists predict the snowfall will ease by Wednesday. The early cold snap highlights Mohe's unique position as one of Asia's coldest inhabited regions, where winter temperatures often plunge below -30°C.
Tour operators reported canceled outdoor excursions as visibility dropped, though some visitors celebrated the rare opportunity to witness autumn foliage dusted with fresh snow. Climate researchers note this event aligns with observed patterns of increasingly volatile weather in northern Asia.
