Temperatures recorded since the end of November 2012 have marked the lowest temps to hit China in 28 years, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said Saturday.

Temps have averaged minus 3.8 degrees Celsius since the last 10 days of November, about 1.3 degrees lower than the previous recorded average.

Temperatures in northeast China hit a 43-year low and stood at minus 15.3 degrees Celsius, about 3.7 degrees below the previous recorded average.

North China experienced its coldest winter in 42 years, with temperatures hitting minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees lower than the average level in previous years.

Temperatures in north China are expected to pick up next week, although much of south China will continue to experience cloudy skies, rain and snow, the CMA's National Meteorological Center said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2013)