Beijing saw its highest temperature for mid-March in 50 years yesterday - 23.5 C - and local meteorologists have suggested the warm weather is expected to continue this week.

Sun Jisong, who is with the Beijing Meteorological Observatory, said the second highest temperature for this time of year in recent history was 22.5 C, recorded on March 19, 1963.

"Considering the sharp change of temperatures that often occurs in spring, this relatively high temperature is still within the normal range," Sun said.

He said air currents change rapidly in North China in spring, and a cold current could lower the temperature by 10 or more degrees centigrade. A weak cold current is expected soon in most parts of North China, leading to a fall in the temperature.

He added it is hard to predict temperatures for a long time ahead only using existing weather data, although it seems Beijing is destined to have a warm spring this year.

Young Beijingers have reacted quickly to the warm weather, young ladies parading the streets in summery shirts and skirts. Older people have began to take walks in the morning with their birds.

(China Daily 03/21/2001)