Beijing is experiencing an unusually early onset of winter as temperatures plummeted below freezing on October 18, 2025, weeks ahead of the seasonal norm. The China Meteorological Administration reported that the southern rural areas of the capital recorded a low of -0.5°C, marking the first subzero temperature since autumn began. This cold spell, driven by a robust air mass over northern China, is expected to persist, with daily average temperatures in Beijing remaining below 10°C from October 18 to 24. In response, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued blue alerts for cold waves and strong winds on October 16, advising residents to prepare for the prolonged chill. Xin Xin, chief meteorologist at the China Weather Network, noted that while this year’s first subzero reading aligns with last year’s timing, it is significantly earlier than the long-term average of November 8, based on data from 1991 to 2020. She warned that if the current trend of low temperatures continues, winter could arrive notably earlier this year, disrupting seasonal patterns and daily life in the capital.