Hangzhou's urban area welcomes the first snow of 2024 on Jan 22. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou's urban area recently experienced its first snow of 2024.

On the morning of Jan 22, at around 8 am, frigid air swept in to Hangzhou, bringing snowflakes with it.

There's an old saying that goes: "In the third set of nine days and the fourth set of nine days (since the Winter Solstice), people can walk on ice."

This year, the traditional wisdom associated with the third set of nine days seems to have faltered, but the fourth set is making its presence known.

A child frolics in the snow. [Photo/IC]

Due to the combined influence of cold air and nighttime radiative cooling under clear skies, Hangzhou is bracing for lower temperatures in the coming days. In the early morning, the lowest temperatures in the plains could plummet to -3 to -5 degrees Celsius, leading to icy conditions. In mountainous regions, temperatures may dip even lower, ranging from -8 C to -5 C and posing a risk of severe freezing.

Residents are advised to take precautions, stay warm, and be mindful of the cold weather.

A woman goes grocery shopping amid the first snow of 2024. [Photo/IC]

Plum blossoms brave the freezing cold. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]