The thermometer hit a record 16 degrees centigrade in Beijing on Monday, the highest February temperature in 30 years, after hitting 12.8 degrees on Saturday, according to the Beijing Observatory.

 

The ice has begun melting in Beijing's lakes and skating is forbidden. Yulan trees along Chang'an boulevard have begun to sprout.

 

Girls wearing silk stockings and young guys holding ice creams can be seen in the street.

 

These phenomena don't normally appear until April.

 

The temperature in Beijing in December and January was markedly higher than in former years, according to the observatory.

 

Sunday was lichun, the start of spring according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The average temperature for that day is normally minus 1.7 degrees. However, the figure on Monday was 6.5 degrees.

 

The recent high temperatures are abnormal, said a meteorologist.

 

The mercury will rise to 10 degrees on Tuesday, according to the observatory.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2007)