Cold Snap to Test Asia Weather Records as Temperatures Dive

A blast of frigid Arctic air is set to sweep across Asia next week, pushing temperatures toward potentially record lows and likely boosting heating demand in key energy markets.

The cold snap is being driven by low-pressure systems high in the atmosphere, which are allowing the icy Arctic air to spill across several regions worldwide, including Asia, according to meteorologists and major weather models. Temperatures in Beijing and Shanghai could plunge by about 20C through Wednesday, as shown by forecasts from the China Meteorological Administration.