Cold wave triggers temperature dips, snowfall in northwest China's Xinjiang

Under the influence of a powerful cold front across northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Turpan City -- one of China's hottest places known for enduring over 100 days of scorching heat exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in summer annually -- saw its first snowfall of 2026 on Sunday.

The snow brought winter scenery to the region, with light flakes dusting the surface of the Aydingkol Lake in Turpan's Gaochang District, creating a scene of a white velvet blanket spread across the water.

Notably, the Aydingkol Lake sits at 154.31 meters below sea level, making it the lowest terrestrial point in China. The area is known for its extreme aridity and complex terrain, making such snowfall a rare occurrence.

Currently, in addition to the central part of Xinjiang, snowfall has also been reported in several northern parts of the autonomous region, including the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, the Tacheng Prefecture, and the Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture.

In Altay City in northern Xinjiang, snowfall began in the early hours of Tuesday and continued through the day, leaving roads covered with about 3-4 centimeters of snows.

Although not heavy, the snow has created slippery conditions. Local traffic police began duty at major intersections from 8:00 on Tuesday, reminding drivers to slow down and proceed with caution to prevent potential accidents.

Municipal crews launched snow-clearing operations shortly after the snowfall started and have conducted multiple rounds to maintain road accessibility.

The meteorological department in the Altay Prefecture issued a severe cold wave weather alert on Monday. Official data indicate that from the night of the Monday to January 18, the area will experience further snowfall, strong winds, and a significant temperature plunge.

Starting Tuesday night, temperatures in the region are expected to drop sharply by 20-30 degrees Celsius, with lows in Altay City approaching minus 35 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Light snow is forecast in plain areas, while mountainous areas may experience moderate to heavy snow.

According to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), from Tuesday to Friday, multiple cold air movements are expected in northern China, leading to frequent temperature fluctuations.

Temperatures are forecast to drop by 4-8 degrees Celsius in central and southern parts of northeast China, northern Xinjiang, central and western Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, western Gansu Province, and western and northern parts of north China, with localized decreases exceeding 10 degrees Celsius.

Cold wave triggers temperature dips, snowfall in northwest China's Xinjiang

Nigeria's fuel market is undergoing a rare shake-up as competition pushes prices lower, bringing relief to local consumers while raising concerns over business durability.

In the capital city of Abuja, the state oil firm Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has been selling petrol at about 815 naira per liter (about 0.57 U.S. dollars per liter), down from about 0.66 U.S. dollars per liter earlier in 2026. Other stations supplied by private giant Dangote are offering even lower prices, selling at around 750 naira (about 0.53 U.S. dollars) per liter.

For millions of Nigerians, the drop has been easing pressure on transport, food and daily living costs.

"I spend relatively lower on fuel and, by implication, transportation now than what it used to be," said Salifu Usman, a local resident in Abuja.

"We are happy with what we are seeing, because, of course, for a very long time, we are witnessing the crash down of price, even during festive period," said Jonathan Madaki, another resident.

The price cut has also allowed for higher profit margins for local small business operators, who have long relied on petrol-powered generators to cope with chronic power shortages.

Behind the price cuts is a growing battle for market share. The Nigeria-based Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, has boosted domestic supply and slashed its wholesale price to around 700 naira (about 0.49 U.S. dollars) per liter.

The move has forced importers and the state oil company to lower their own prices to stay competitive. But as margins shrink, analysts warn, what now appears to be a price war may not last.

"My own interpretation is that we are going to that stage where, especially those that, if it keeps coming down, I think those that bring in products may find it not so attractive again. So I don't actually see how sustainable this price war, if I may use that term, will be," said energy expert Paul Ogwu.

Nigeria petrol price cuts ease living costs, raise durability concerns