Buzz
Despite the freezing temperatures, these villages remain inhabited, with communities engaging in regular activities. The only difference is the perpetually sub-zero temperatures.
Many parts of the world are grappling with record-breaking cold snaps. In early 2016, China faced one of its coldest spells, with temperatures plummeting to below freezing across over 90% of its territory. Currently, the capital city, Beijing, has dipped to -13°C, and forecasts indicate it will remain bitterly cold for several days, with the warmest daytime temperature reaching a mere 2°C. In Heilongjiang Province, some areas have even dropped to a bone-chilling -30°C.
So, where else in the world do people endure such extreme cold snaps as China is experiencing now?
Welcome to Verkhoyansk, Russia, one of the most remote and extreme climates on Earth.
This desolate town is one of two places renowned for its harsh cold weather conditions. Located over 2,400km from the North Pole, Verkhoyansk was historically used as a place of exile for political prisoners in the early 20th century.
During spring, around January, temperatures plummet to around -45°C here. Currently, Verkhoyansk is experiencing -40°C temperatures, accompanied by rain.
Introducing Oymyakon, Russia, another frigid destination in the Siberian wilderness.
Similar to Verkhoyansk, Oymyakon, located in the Sakha Republic, boasts bone-chilling temperatures. In 1933, temperatures plummeted to a staggering -67°C in February. Only 500-800 brave souls inhabit this icy wilderness. Schools here only open when temperatures reach around -46°C, leaving residents with few opportunities for respite.
This village derives its name from a nearby hot spring. Residents can simply break through thin ice to access the natural hot springs. Adventurers seeking thrills and unique experiences often flock to Oymyakon to conquer its extreme conditions.
Introducing International Falls, located in Minnesota, USA.
This city sits on the border between Canada and the USA, experiencing year-round temperatures hovering around -16°C and consistently blanketed in snow. Our tropical friends could comfortably live here, singing songs about snow without fear of ridicule, unlike in Saigon dreaming of white snow.
Snow here can pile up to 1.6 meters thick during the peak of winter, meaning an average Vietnamese woman would need to stack another crate underneath just to catch a breath.
The city of Yakutsk, Russia
Perhaps due to the perpetually frigid climate, Russians diligently indulge in alcohol to keep warm, resulting in robust physiques to contend with the harsh weather conditions.
The lowest temperatures in the icy tundra of the Arctic Circle compared to Yakutsk are hardly distinguishable. During winter, temperatures plummet to unbearable levels starting from September and refuse to rise until May reluctantly creeps in. It's no wonder this is dubbed the coldest city on Earth. True to its name, the average temperature here on what passes for a warm day hovers around -36°C, while at its lowest, it hits around -63°C.
Despite the harsh conditions, the population here is not insignificant, with up to 200,000 people living, primarily sustained by ore mining. Yakutsk boasts numerous theaters, museums, and even a zoo.
The capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The capital and largest city of Mongolia, also heavily affected by this cold spell, being situated on a high plateau with a cold climate, maintaining stability around -30°C. With this additional cold wave, temperatures may plummet to quite dire levels.
